Deep learning-based predictive identification of neural stem cell differentiation

Nat Commun. 2021 May 10;12(1):2614. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22758-0.

Abstract

The differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons is proposed to be critical in devising potential cell-based therapeutic strategies for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, however, the determination and prediction of differentiation is complex and not yet clearly established, especially at the early stage. We hypothesize that deep learning could extract minutiae from large-scale datasets, and present a deep neural network model for predictable reliable identification of NSCs fate. Remarkably, using only bright field images without artificial labelling, our model is surprisingly effective at identifying the differentiated cell types, even as early as 1 day of culture. Moreover, our approach showcases superior precision and robustness in designed independent test scenarios involving various inducers, including neurotrophins, hormones, small molecule compounds and even nanoparticles, suggesting excellent generalizability and applicability. We anticipate that our accurate and robust deep learning-based platform for NSCs differentiation identification will accelerate the progress of NSCs applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / cytology
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Computer Simulation
  • Deep Learning*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Hormones / pharmacology
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Nerve Growth Factors / pharmacology
  • Neural Networks, Computer
  • Neural Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Neural Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Neural Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Neurogenesis / genetics*
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia / cytology
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism
  • Rats

Substances

  • Hormones
  • Nerve Growth Factors

Associated data

  • figshare/10.6084/m9.figshare.13070666.v1