Abstract
Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells capable of forming differentiated embryoid bodies (EBs) in culture. We examined the ability of growth factors under controlled conditions to increase the number of human ES cell-derived neurons. Retinoic acid (RA) and nerve growth factor (βNGF) were found to be potent enhancers of neuronal differentiation, eliciting extensive outgrowth of processes and the expression of neuron-specific molecules. Our findings show that human ES cells have great potential to become an unlimited cell source for neurons in culture. These cells may then be used in transplantation therapies for neural pathologies.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 201-205 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Brain Research |
Volume | 913 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 21 Sep 2001 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This study was partially supported by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and by the Herbert Cohn Chair (N.B).
Funding
This study was partially supported by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and by the Herbert Cohn Chair (N.B).
Funders | Funder number |
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Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation United States of America |
Keywords
- Embryonic stem cell
- Nerve growth factor
- Neuronal differentiation
- Retinoic acid
- Transplantation therapy