Abstract: A method for extracting stem cells from a non-embryonic stem cell source, including providing a non-embryonic stem cell source including stem cells; perfusing the non-embryonic stem cell source with a pulsatile flow of a perfusion solution to produce a perfusate including stem cells and a perfused non-embryonic stem cell source; and isolating the stem cells from the perfusate to produce isolated stem cells, is provided. Also provided is a non-embryonic stem cell line derived from a non-embryonic stem cell obtained using the pulsatile perfusion extraction method.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing neuronal cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing neuronal cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing neuronal cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing neuronal cell differentiation.

Abstract: A method for extracting stem cells from a non-embryonic stem cell source, including providing a non-embryonic stem cell source including stem cells; perfusing the non-embryonic stem cell source with a pulsatile flow of a perfusion solution to produce a perfusate including stem cells and a perfused non-embryonic stem cell source; and isolating the stem cells from the perfusate to produce isolated stem cells, is provided. Also provided is a non-embryonic stem cell line derived from a non-embryonic stem cell obtained using the pulsatile perfusion extraction method.

Abstract: A method for producing a neuroblast and a cellular composition comprising an enriched population of neuroblast cells is provided. Also disclosed are methods for identifying compositions which affect neuroblasts and for treating a subject with a neuronal disorder, and a culture system for the production and maintenance of neuroblasts.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for delivering a heterologous gene to a cell body of a neuron by contacting a muscle tissue innervated by the neuron with a viral vector comprising a heterologous gene, wherein the viral vector enters said neuron and is retrogradely moved to the cell body. Additionally, methods for expressing secreted proteins from a nerve cell body as well as methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel transcription regulatory master switch involved in neural development. The disclosure provides compositions and methods for regulating neural lineage specific genes and modulating the differentiation of stem cells into neural lineage cells.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for identifying compounds which modulate the activity of TLX. Such compounds will find use in a wide variety of applications, e.g., methods for relieving TLX-mediated transcription repression and/or inducing processes mediated by TLX, methods for inhibiting processes mediated by TLX, methods for promoting stem cell differentiation in a system in need thereof, and the like. In accordance with additional aspects of the present invention, there are provided methods for identifying compounds which modulate the expression of TLX. Such compounds will find use in a variety of applications, e.g.

Abstract: A method of determining relative expression for probe groups in probe arrays includes: determining probe values for one or more probe arrays of a baseline category and multiple probe arrays of an experimental category, where each probe array includes a plurality of probes organized by probe locations; determining, from the probe values corresponding to the probe locations, probe categories for the probe locations, where each probe category corresponds to the baseline category, the experimental category or an indefinite category; and determining, from the probe values and the probe categories, a category bias for a probe group, where the probe group includes multiple probe locations, and the category bias including a preference for the baseline category, the experimental category or the indefinite category.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for modulating gene expression by contacting a cellular system with a double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecule capable of associating with a regulatory machinery that controls transcription of one or more genes, wherein the association results in altered expression of the one or more genes. The invention is further directed to method for directing the differentiation of neuronal stem cells into neurons by contacting a cellular system with a double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecule capable of associating with a regulatory machinery that controls transcription of one or more genes involved in neuronal differentiation and directing the transcription of the one or more genes. In related embodiments, the invention provides particular compositions of double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecules as well as therapeutic and screening applications of the invention.

Abstract: Adult neural stem cells differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in the mammalian CNS, but the molecular mechanisms that control their differentiation are not yet well understood. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) can promote the differentiation of cells already committed to an oligodendroglial lineage during development. However, it is unclear whether IGF-I affects multipotent neural stem cells. Here we show that IGF-I stimulates the differentiation of multipotent adult rat hippocampus-derived neural progenitor cells into oligodendrocytes. Modeling analysis indicates that the actions of IGF-I are instructive. Oligodendrocyte differentiation by IGF-I appears to be mediated through an inhibition of BMP signaling. Furthermore, overexpression of IGF-I in the hippocampus leads to an increase in oligodendrocyte markers.

Abstract: Conditionally-immortalized human CNS progenitor cell lines are provided. Such cell lines, which may be clonal, may be used to generate neurons and/or astrocytes. Such cell lines and/or differentiated cells may be used for the development of therapeutic agents to prevent and treat a variety of CNS-related diseases. Such cell lines and/or differentiated cells may also be used in assays and for the general study of CNS cell development, death and abnormalities.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for improving cognitive performance in a physically active subject. The invention further provides a method of enhancing neurogenesis in a physically active subject. In one embodiment, the method encompasses administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more flavonoids. In a further embodiment, the method encompasses administering to the subject an effective amount of one or more antioxidants.

Abstract: The invention provides a specific protocol for use in grafting donor cells genetically modified to produce nerve growth factors into grafting sites within the cholinergic basal forebrain and is especially useful in treating neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease. Grafting sites are selected for proximity to previously identified defective, diseased or damaged brain cells. Each graft is situated no more than about 550 &mgr;m from a targeted cell and no more than about 5 mm from another graft. Depending on the size of the region to be treated, the number of grafting sites will vary upwards of 10 sites, with between 5 and 10 sites serving to deliver a therapeutically significant dosage of nerve growth factors to targeted cells. Donor cells are delivered in a composition concentration of at least 1×105 cells/&mgr;l, wherein each graft is comprised of between 2 and 20 &mgr;l of the donor cell composition.