Neuronal Transdifferentiation in Humans: Protocols for Monocytes Conversion into Neuronal-Like Cells with Small Molecules

Jankowska, Kornelia; Ghavami, Saeid; Hybiak, Jolanta; Łos, Marek J.

doi:10.2478/aite-2026-0008

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's, are major causes of disability. Current treatments are mostly symptomatic, due to a limited understanding of the disease mechanisms and the brain's poor regenerative capacity. Neuronal transdifferentiation offers a promising solution. Existing protocols are often inefficient, invasive, or time-consuming, and expensive. Furthermore, they mostly rely on nucleic acids as transdifferentiation-inducers, hence this carries risks of insertion mutagenesis. In this study, monocytes were isolated from buffy coats and cultured under four protocols using different small-molecule combinations. Two protocols successfully generated TUJ1⁺ MAP2⁺ SYP⁺ cells. Transdifferentiation is achievable through cheap and efficient chemical induction.

References

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Neuronal Transdifferentiation in Humans: Protocols for Monocytes Conversion into Neuronal-Like Cells with Small Molecules

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