Transcription Factor-induced Differentiation of Immortalised Neuronal Cell Lines

This PhD thesis investigated induced differentiation of neuronal cell lines using various transcription factors and gene integration techniques. The induced neuronal cell lines were tested according to their phenotypic and molecular characteristics, as well as functional capabilities. The neuronal cell lines were then co-cultured with myotubes to investigate neuromuscular junction formation, which was analysed using image-based techniques. The outcome of this research provided novel methods for generating mature and robust neuronal cells relatively rapidly. The cell lines generated provide a convenient model for more accurately investigating neuronal development and disease, as well as neuromuscular junctions.