【Objective】 To explore the neural differentiation potential of a new human embryonic stem cell line

SYSU-7

through embryoid body formation under different culture condition. 【Methods】 Detail characterization of SYSU-7 cells were carried out by detecting the expression of Oct4

SSEA4

TRA-1-60

AKP

and multi-lineage differentiation capacity in vivo and in vitro. 20% KSR medium (KSR) and neural progenitor medium (NPM) were used to induce neural differentiation of SYSU-7 cells

respectively. Embryoid bodies (EBs) were generated and cultured in suspension for 4d or 7d before attached to polyornithine and fibronectin (PO+FN) coated culture dishes. Neural stem/progenitor cells derived from SYSU-7 cells were identified by the immunocytochemical assays. 【Results】 The immunostaining analysis showed that SYSU-7 cells expressed the undifferentiated marker Oct4

SSEA4

and TRA-1-60

as well as the AKP. The results also demonstrated that SYSU-7 cells have the capacity to differentiate into three germ layers both in vitro and in vivo. KSR medium was found to be superior to NPM for neural differentiation of SYSU-7 cells. EBs cultured in suspension for 7 d resulted in earlier appearance and greater amount of rosette structures than 4-day EBs. 【Conclusion】 SYSU-7 cells possessed the distinct characteristics of human embryonic stem cells

self-renew and pluripotency. The results provided a new cell model and may have implications for neural differentiation studies.