To better probe the nature of GABAergic interneurons and their potential role in disease pathogenesis, several groups have developed differentiation protocols to produce these neurons using hESCs or iPSCs.84, 85, 86 Interestingly, these studies provide evidence that human GABAergic interneurons have a lengthy maturation period, requiring as long as 7 months to reach mature phenotypes. The ability to generate interneurons opens the door to potential GABAergic cell-based therapies in the treatment of SCZ87 and other diseases associated with GABAergic dysfunction, such as depression,50 epilepsy53 and neuropathic pain.88
