Abstract: The present invention provides in vitro systems for use in identifying modulators of neural differentiation. Also provided are modulators identified by these systems. The present invention further provides methods for identifying a modulator of neural differentiation, a modulator of a Wnt signalling pathway, a modulator of Wnt-dependent neural differentiation, a modulator of a BMP signalling pathway, a modulator of BMP-dependent neural differentiation, a modulator of a Hh signalling pathway, and a modulator of Hh-dependent neural differentiation. Also provided are modulators identified by these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of an embryonic stem cell into a differentiated neural cell. The present invention further provides a method for producing differentiated neural cells, and a population of cells comprising the differentiated neural cells. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for repopulating a spinal cord in a subject, and a method for treating nervous tissue degeneration in a subject in need of treatment. The present invention further provides neural progenitor cells, differentiated neural cells, and uses of same. Also provided is a transgenic non-human animal containing the differentiated neural cells. The present invention is further directed to a method for isolating a population of differentiated neural cells. Finally, the present invention provides a method for identifying an agent for use in treating a condition associated with neuron degeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vitro systems for use in identifying modulators of neural differentiation. Also provided are modulators identified by these systems. The present invention further provides methods for identifying a modulator of neural differentiation, a modulator of an FGF signalling pathway, a modulator of FGF-dependent neural differentiation, a modulator of a retinoid signalling pathway, and a modulator of retinoid-dependent neural differentiation. Also provided are modulators identified by these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides in vitro systems for use in identifying modulators of neural differentiation. Also provided are modulators identified by these systems. The present invention further provides methods for identifying a modulator of neural differentiation, a modulator of a Wnt signalling pathway, a modulator of Wnt-dependent neural differentiation, a modulator of a BMP signalling pathway, a modulator of BMP-dependent neural differentiation, a modulator of a Hh signalling pathway, and a modulator of Hh-dependent neural differentiation. Also provided are modulators identified by these methods.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated vertebrate nucleic acid molecule which encodes dorsalin-1. This invention also provides a nucleic acid probe capable of specifically hybridizing with a sequence included within the sequence of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a dorsalin-1. The invention also provides a vector and host vector system for the production of a polypeptide having the biological activity of dorsalin-1 which comprises the above-described vector in a suitable host. This invention also provides a purified vertebrate dorsalin-1. This invention provides a method for stimulating neural crest cell differentiation, a method for regenerating nerve cells, a method for promoting bone growth, a method for promoting wound healing and a method for treating neural tumor using purified dorsalin-1. This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising purified dorsalin-1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Finally, this invention provides an antibody capable of binding to dorsalin-1.

Abstract: Netrin proteins, nucleic acids which encode netrin proteins and hybridization reagents, probes and primers capable of hybridizing with netrin genes and methods for screening chemical libraries for lead compounds for pharmacological agents are provided.

Abstract: Netrin proteins, nucleic acids which encode netrin proteins and hybridization reagents, probes and primers capable of hybridizing with netrin genes and methods for screening chemical libraries for lead compounds for pharmacological agents are provided.

Abstract: Netrin proteins, nucleic acids which encode netrin proteins and hybridization reagents, probes and primers capable of hybridizing with netrin genes and methods for screening chemical libraries for lead compounds for pharmacological agents are provided.

Abstract: Netrins, nucleic acids which encode netrin proteins and hybridization reagents, probes and primers capable of hybridizing with netrin genes and methods for screening chemical libraries for lead compounds for pharmacological agents are provided.

Abstract: Netrin proteins, nucleic acids which encode netrin proteins and hybridization reagents, probes and primers capable of hybridizing with netrin genes and methods for screening chemical libraries for lead compounds for pharmacological agents are provided.

Abstract: A novel classes of neural axon outgrowth promoting and orienting proteins, nucleic acids encoding such proteins and receptors which selectively bind such proteins are disclosed. The disclosed neural axon outgrowth promoting and orienting proteins include the laminin-related p75/p78 family; a family of vertebrate proteins which promote axon outgrowth and/or orientation, and p75/p78 family-specific receptors, including receptors found on spinal nerve axons, especially growth cones. Also disclosed are agents including peptides derived from the disclosed neural axon outgrowth promoting proteins capable of effecting axon outgrowth, orientation and regeneration. These agents provide small molecular weight modulators of nerve cell growth useful in the treatment of neurological disease and injury.