Protocol for differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells from human iPSCs and their application in CRISPRa-mediated gene regulation

STAR Protocols 2026 Open access

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Authors: Laura Priesmeier, Malte Tiburcy, Laura Cecilia Zelarayan
DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.104345
Cited by: 1
References: 8

Abstract

Directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds major promise for the development of disease models, drug screening platforms, and regenerative medicine. Here, we provide a step-by-step highly reproducible protocol for differentiating vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) from hiPSCs, including hiPSC culture, hiPSC differentiation, and vSMC passaging under chemically defined conditions. We also detail molecular and functional analysis procedures for hiPSC-derived contractile vSMCs along with endogenous transcriptional activation modulation ready for any downstream application.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pluripotent Stem Cells Research CRISPR and Genetic Engineering Nuclear Receptors and Signaling

Publication details

Journal / source
STAR Protocols
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
104345–104345
Publication date
21 January 2026
Language
EN