Method for inducing dopaminergic neuron progenitor cells

A method for producing dopaminergic neuron progenitor cells from pluripotent stem cells, said method comprising the steps of:

• (i) culturing pluripotent stem cells on an extracellular matrix in a medium containing a reagent(s) selected from the group consisting of BMP inhibitor, TGFβ inhibitor, SHH signal-stimulating agent, FGF8, and GSK3β inhibitor during a period enough for appearance of Corin- and/or leucine-rich repeats and transmembrane domains 1 (Lrtm1) positive cells;
• (ii) collecting Corin- and/or Lrtm1-positive cells from the cells obtained in Step (i) using a substance which binds to Corin and/or a substance which binds to Lrtm1;
• and
• (iii) culturing the cells obtained in Step (ii) in suspension in a medium containing a neurotrophic factor, wherein Step (iii) is carried out for at least 7 days.

A cell aggregate comprising dopaminergic neuron progenitor cells, wherein the cell aggregate,

• (1) comprises about 70% or more of Foxa2 positive cells,
• (2) has high expression of ALCAM, SHH, WNT5A and CORIN and low expression of PAX6,
• (3) can be matured into the cell aggregate
• which comprises
• (i) about 37% or more of TH positive cells, and
• (ii) Foxa2, Nurrr1, Pitx3 and Girk2 positive cells;
• and
• which shows a property wherein the quantification of dopamine and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid released due to stimulation by high potassium chloride is greater than that of serotonin.