Transcriptomics analysis of human iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons reveals a novel model for sporadic Parkinson's disease

First, we differentiated human iPSCs into dopaminergic neurons. To reproduce and to study sporadic PD, the cells were subsequently exposed to increasing concentrations of the neurotoxin MPP+, which is considered the standard for experimentally inducing Parkinsonism. Resulting cells were examined using temporal transcriptomics analysis at various time-points after 24h of exposure. The transcriptomics analysis revealed a strong time- and dose-dependent response with genes overrepresented across pathways involved in PD etiology such as “Parkinson's Disease”, “Dopaminergic signaling” and “calcium signaling”. Overall design: First, we differentiated human iPSCs into dopaminergic neurons. Cells were examined using temporal transcriptomics analysis at various time-points after 24h of exposure to the neurotoxin MPP+.