Abstract: This invention comprises a method for generating functional neural networks using neural progenitor cells on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). The method involves dissociating neural progenitor cells from an embryo, propagating the neural progenitor cells, passaging the neural progenitor cells and seeding the neural progenitor cells on MEAs to produce a functional neural network. The neural progenitor cells may be continuously passaged to propagate an endless supply of neural progenitor cells. The resultant passaged progenitor cell derived neural network MEA may be used to detect and/or quantify various biological or chemical toxins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing purified neural stem cells, comprising harvesting fluid containing neural stem cells from cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord of an individual, isolating the neural stem cells from the fluid, culturing the neural stem cells in a culture medium effective to induce proliferation of the neural stem cells and purifying the cultured neural stem cells. Also provided is a method of treating a patient afflicted with a neurological condition, in which the purified neural stem cells are administered autologously into the same individual or heterologously to a patient other than the individual. Administration of the purified neural stem cells results in the purified neural stem cells propagating in the site of the brain region afflicted with the neurological condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of generating neural stem cells from differentiated somatic cells. The present disclosure also provides induced neural stem cells generated using a subject method, as well as differentiated cells generated from a subject induced neural stem cell. A subject neural stem cell, as well as differentiated cells derived from a subject neural stem cell, is useful in various applications, which are also provided in the present disclosure.

Abstract: Described are a novel cell type in the neural lineage, and method of producing the same based on the degree of neural commitment and growth factor responsiveness in vitro and the potential to give rise to neural and non-neural progeny in vivo. The novel vell type of neural lineage and cells derived therefrom have a number of applications including applications regarding tissue engineering, transplantation and gene therapy and drug discovery. Also described are suggested uses of the method and cell type including isolating genes that positively and negatively regulate the transition from an ES cell to a neural cell and generally for studying ES cell models of mammalian neural development.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of generating neural stem cells from differentiated somatic cells. The present disclosure also provides induced neural stem cells generated using a subject method, as well as differentiated cells generated from a subject induced neural stem cell. A subject neural stem cell, as well as differentiated cells derived from a subject neural stem cell, is useful in various applications, which are also provided in the present disclosure.

Abstract: A neural colony forming cell (NCFC) assay is described. The assay allows one to distinguish neural stem cells from neural progenitor cells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for identifying neural stem cells or neural progenitor cells comprising: (a) suspending neural cells in a semi-solid medium which supports the growth of neural cells; (b) plating the cells in the semi-solid medium at a density that allows for the production of colonies; (c) culturing the plated cells until size differences can be discerned between the colonies; and (d) estimating colony size wherein the larger colonies are likely produced by neural stem cells and wherein the small colonies are likely produced by neural progenitor cells In alternate embodiments, NSC can be distinguished from neural progenitor cells by determining the morphology or antigen expression of the colonies.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated and purified neural precursor cells, to methods for the generation of such precursor cells in unlimited quantities from embryonic stem cells, and to their use for the therapy of neural defects, particularly in mammals, preferably in human beings, and for the generation of polypeptides.

Abstract: This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural progenitor population. The progenitors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The differentiated cell populations or the neural progenitors can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.

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: A novel use of periostin, and more particularly a composition for inducing the migration of neural stem cells, which contains periostin or a periostin-secreting cell as an active ingredient, based on the discovery of a novel function of periostin that induces the migration of neural stem cells. Periostin induces the migration of neural stem cells, and thus the composition for inducing the migration of neural stem cells, which contains periostin or periostin-secreting cells as an active ingredient, can be used in various applications based on neural stem cells. A pharmaceutical composition containing suicide gene-expressing neural stem cells and periostin allows the neural stem cells to effectively migrate to tumor tissues, and thus can be used as a cell therapeutic agent for treating cancer. Also, the pharmaceutical composition containing neural stem cells and periostin has improved effects on the stimulation of regeneration of nerve cells and the treatment of neural diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the induction of the neuronal fate in neural stem cells or neural progenitor cells. The inventors have found that a neuronal fate in a neural stem cell or neural progenitor cell can be induced by expressing Nurr1 above basal levels within the cell. Nurr1 is a transcription factor of the thyroid hormone/retinoic acid nuclear receptor superfamily. It is shown herein that the expression of Nurr1 above basal levels in neural stem cells or neural progenitor cells increases the proportion of the cells which differentiate toward a neural fate. It has been found that in particular, dopaminergic neural stem cells or progenitor cells by a process including expression of Nurr1 above basal levels in the cells and contact of the cells with one or more factors supplied by or derived from Type I astrocytes of the ventral mesencephalon.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a method of generating a neural conduit comprising neurotrophic factors and angiogenic factors ex vivo comprising introducing cells that enhance nerve regeneration into an isolated, naturally occurring epineural sheath, thereby producing a combination. The combination is maintained under conditions in which neurotrophic factors and angiogenic factors are expressed in the epineural sheath, thereby generating a neural conduit comprising neurotrophic factors and angiogenic factors ex vivo. In another aspect, the invention is directed to neural conduits such as a neural conduit produced by the methods provided herein. In other aspects, the invention is directed to an article of manufacture.

Abstract: There is provided a novel hybrid promoter region that utilizes a neural specific promoter and an enhancer element, in one embodiment from a viral promoter, located upstream or downstream of the neural-specific promoter. The novel promoter can be used to create a viral vector, including a baculovirus vector, useful for gene delivery to neural cells.

Abstract: A method of generating neural crest stem cells involves inducing neuroepithelial stem cells to differentiate in vitro into neural crest stem cells. Differentiation can be induced by replating the cells on laminin, withdrawing mitogens, or adding dorsalizing agents to the growth medium. Derivatives of the peripheral nervous system can be generated by inducing the neural crest stem cells to differentiate in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for deriving novel stem cells from the mammalian early neural plate.

Abstract: This invention provides pure populations of neural precursor cells, capable of differentiation into neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural precursor population. The precursors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes. The neural precursors can be generated in pure form (at least 99%) and in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: There is provided methods relating to enhancing migration of a neural precursor cell by augmenting levels of TMEM18 protein in the neural precursor cell. Such methods may be used in the treatment of disorders, including treatment of a glioma or a neurodegenerative disorder.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for inducing marrow stromal cells to differentiate into neural cells by way of increasing intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. The invention also encompasses methods of producing a neural cell by causing a marrow stromal cell to differentiate into a neural cell by increasing intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. Methods for treating a human patient in need of neural cells are also disclosed, as well as methods for treating a human patient having a disease, condition, or disorder of the central nervous system.

Abstract: This invention relates to multipotent neural stem cells, purified from the peripheral nervous system of mammals, capable of differentiating into neural and non-neural cell types. These stem cells provide an accessible source for autologous transplantation into CNS, PNS, and other damaged tissues.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated neural stem cells. Also provided are methods for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases using suitable preparations comprising the isolated neural stem cells.