A defined 2D system for generating and expanding human basal radial glia from iPSCs

Abstract

Basal radial glia (bRG) drive human cortical expansion but remain underrepresented in vitro. We established a defined and expandable 2D system for efficient generation of human bRG from iPSCs. These cells recapitulate canonical molecular signatures, hallmark somal translocation behaviours, intrinsic differentiation potential, and integration into organoid tissue. Network-based analyses identified PAK2 as a regulator of mitotic somal translocation, illustrating the systems utility for mechanistic interrogation of bRG biology.