Abstract: Provided herein are methods of decreasing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in a cell. Such methods include administering an effective amount of a GFAP lowering compound to the cell. Also provided are compounds useful for the treatment of Alexander disease in subjects at risk of or diagnosed with Alexander disease and methods for the identification of such compounds.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of decreasing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in a cell. Such methods include administering an effective amount of a GFAP lowering compound to the cell. Also provided are compounds useful for the treatment of Alexander disease in subjects at risk of or diagnosed with Alexander disease and methods for the identification of such compounds.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of decreasing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in a cell. Such methods include administering an effective amount of a GFAP lowering compound to the cell. Also provided are compounds useful for the treatment of Alexander disease in subjects at risk of or diagnosed with Alexander disease and methods for the identification of such compounds.

Abstract: A transgenic mammal, specifically a mouse, containing in its genome a humanized mutant of green fluorescent protein operably linked to the glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter is provided. The mouse can be used to assay the effects of systemic or topical administration of neurotoxins and also to assay the effects of physical damage to neural tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions of controlling cell distribution within a bioartificial organ by exposing the cells to a treatment that inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell differentiation, or affects cell attachment to a growth surface within the bioartificial organ. Such treatments include (1) genetically manipulating cells, (2) exposing the cells to a proliferation-inhibiting compound or a differentiation-inducing compound or removing the cells from exposure to a proliferation-stimulating compound or a differentiation-inhibiting compound; exposing the cells to irradiation, and (3) modifying a growth surface of the BAO with ECM molecules, molecules affecting cell proliferation or adhesion, or an inert scaffold, or a combination thereof. These treatments may be used in combination.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions of controlling cell distribution within a bioartificial organ by exposing the cells to a treatment that inhibits cell proliferation, promotes cell differentiation, or affects cell attachment to a growth surface within the bioartificial organ. Such treatments include (1) genetically manipulating cells, (2) exposing the cells to a proliferation-inhibiting compound or a differentiation-inducing compound or removing the cells from exposure to a proliferation-stimulating compound or a differentiation-inhibiting compound; exposing the cells to irradiation, and (3) modifying a growth surface of the BAO with ECM molecules, molecules affecting cell proliferation or adhesion, or an inert scaffold, or a combination thereof. These treatments may be used in combination.