Alpha-Tocopherol increases the proliferation of induced pluripotent stem cell derived neural progenitor cells

In addition to its antioxidant effect, Vitamin E or α–tocopherol is suggested to enhance remyelination in the animal model of non-inflammatory demyelination. In this study, the possible proliferative effect of vitamin E on human- induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors (hiPS-NPs) and the underlying mechanisms were investigated in vitro. NPs were induced from iPS cells via 3 steps within 18 days and then characterized for NPs markers NESTIN, SOX1 and OTX2. MTT assay was used to compare cell populations. LY294002, U0126 and PP2 were used for selective inhibition of enzymes PI3K, MEK and Src-kinase, respectively. Vitamin E increased hiPS-NPs proliferation after 24 and 48 h exposure. The inhibition of both PI3K/Akt and Src-kinase signaling pathways counteracted the effect of vitamin E of NPs. Our data suggest that vitamin E may enhance NPs proliferation via activating PI3K and Src-kinase and may enhance myelin repair following demyelinating Injuries.