Enhancing the efficacy of neural stem cell transplants

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Over the past decade, our understanding of the composition of the central nervous system (CNS) has changed considerably in relation to the discovery of stem cells in the brain. Stem cells hold significant potential to treat numerous human diseases that require cell replacement therapy. However, extensive basic research must be completed to achieve effective therapeutic results with stem cells. We have developed and established methods to isolate and expand stem cells from the brains of mice. Experimental procedures will be tested in tissue culture to drive stem cells into the cell types that are required to repair brain circuits. These cells will be transplanted into animal models (with a focus on Parkinson's) to repair the injured or degenerating brain pathways. Imaging procedures will also be used to monitor the distribution and fate of the transplanted cells in the living animal. The ability to direct the fate of stem cells and label stem cells with highly sensitive markers represents a significant jump to advance cell replacement therapy in the CNS. The experiments in this program will contribute to the necessary knowledge that is required to take stem cell applications to the clinic. With wide translational potential to many human diseases, this research will lay the foundations for more effective and reliable stem cell therapy in the brain and spinal cord.