Abstract: The invention relates to an ependymal neural CNS stem cell, which cell expresses the surface protein Notch 1 together with at least one surface protein chosen from the group of Notch 2, Notch 3, CAR (transmembrane protein binding adenovirus) and CFTR cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), and which cell also comprises at least one cilium. The invention also relates to preparations, including pharmaceutical preparations, comprising ependymal neural CNS stem cells, in vitro and in vivo assays based thereon and various other uses of the novel ependymal cells according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining whether a test compound is a proliferation-inducing or proliferation-inhibiting agent of ependymal neural stem cells. The method comprises: (a) contacting an ependymal neural stem cell with the test compound: and (b) determining the proliferation of the ependymal neural stem cell, wherein if the proliferation of the ependymal neural stem cell is increased in the presence of the test compound as compared to the absence of the test compound, the test compound is identified as a proliferation-inducing agent or wherein if the proliferation of the ependymal neural stem cell is decreased in the presence of the test compound as compared to the absence of the test compound, the test compound is identified as a proliferation-inhibiting agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating ependymal neural CNS stem cells from a post-natal animal or a human, which method comprises the steps of

Abstract: The invention relates to an ependymal neural CNS stem cell, which cell expresses the surface protein Notch 1 together with at least one surface protein chosen from the group of Notch 2, Notch 3, CAR (transmembrane protein binding adenovirus) and CFTR cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), and which cell also comprises at least one cilium. The invention also relates to preparations, including pharmaceutical preparations, comprising ependymal neural CNS stem cells, in vitro and in vivo assays based thereon and various other uses of the novel ependymal cells according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of isolating ependymal neural CNS stem cells from a post-natal animal or a human, which method comprises the steps of (a) screening single cells obtained by dissociating CNS tissue from said animal for cells exhibiting at least one characteristic of an ependymal neural stem cell; and (b) recovering the cells that exhibit the characteristic or characteristics screened for in step (a). The screening may be performed for a specific cell surface protein or by previously labeling the ependymal cells. The invention also relates to isolated ependymal neural CNS stem cells, in vitro and in vivo assays based on the findings according to the invention and various uses of the ependymal neural stem cells according to the invention.

Abstract: A gene (SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 3) encoding a protein, nestin, whose expression distinguishes neural multipotential stem cells and brain tumor cells from the more differentiated neural cell types (e.g., neuronal, glial and muscle cells).