Abstract: This invention pertains to the identification of neurogenerative and/or neurotrophic factors that can induce migration of stem cells to neural tissue and/or induce proliferation and/or differentiation of such cells into neurons. Such agents include, but are not limited to stem cell factor (SCF), heparin binding EGF (HB-EGF), and VEGF.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) stimulates neurogenesis, induces migration of newborn cells into the striatum and cortex, is neuroprotective, and significantly extends the lifespan mammals suffering from neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, etc.). In certain embodiments this invention provides a method of promoting neurogenesis, neuroprotection and/or survival in a mammal having a neurodegenerative disease by upregulating expression or availability of endogenous fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in said mammal; and/or administering FGF2 or an FGF2 mutein to the mammal in an amount sufficient to promote neurogenesis, neuroprotection and/or survival of the mammal.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the identification of neurogenerative and/or neurotrophic factors that can induce migration of stem cells to neural tissue and/or induce proliferation and/or differentiation of such cells into neurons. Such agents include, but are not limited to stem cell factor (SCF), heparin binding EGF (HB-EGF), and VEGF.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that neuroglobin (Ngb) expression helps promote neuronal survival from hypoxic-ischemic insults. Neuroglobin thus provides a good target to screen for agents that mitigate harmful effects from hypoxic-/ischemic insult. Methods are provided for screening for agents that promote neuronal survival from hypoxic-ischemic insult (e.g., ischaemic injury such as caused by myocardial infarction, stroke induced neuron death, reperfusion injury, traumatic head injury, cardiac arrest, asphyxiation, and the like).