Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for decreasing Ataxin 2 mRNA and protein expression. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate Ataxin 2 associated diseases, disorders, and conditions. Such Ataxin 2 associated diseases include spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and parkinsonism. Provided are methods for reducing expression of Ataxin 2 (ATXN2) mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases, including spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and parkinsonism by inhibiting expression of Ataxin 2 in an animal.

Abstract: Multipotent neuroepithelial stem cells and lineage-restricted oligodendrocyte-astrocyte precursor cells are described. The neuroepithelial stem cells are capable of self-renewal and of differentiation into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The oligodendrocyte-astrocyte precursor cells are derived from neuroepithelial stem cells, are capable of self-renewal, and can differentiate into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, but not neurons. Methods of generating, isolating, and culturing such neuroepithelial stem cells and oligodendrocyte-astrocyte precursor cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The antigen-binding activity of an antibody immobilized on a siliceous support can be increased by pretreatment of the antibody with acid prior to its immobilization.