Differentiation kit for the generation of astrocyte precursors from human ES and iPS cell-derived neural progenitor cells.

STEMdiff™ astrocyte differentiation kit is used to rapidly and efficiently generate astrocytic precursors from neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) using STEMdiff™ SMADi neural induction kit. These astrocytic precursors are then matured further into astrocytes using STEMdiff™ astrocyte maturation kit. Using this system, a highly pure population of astrocytes (an average of >70% S100B-positive and >60% GFAP-positive astrocytes; >15% doublecortin-positive neurons) can be generated from hPSCs in as few as 7 weeks and can be maintained long term in culture. Cells derived using these products are versatile tools for modeling human neurological development and disease, drug screening, toxicity testing, and cell therapy validation.