In vitro induction of neural differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells closely mimics molecular mechanisms of embryonic brain development

Abstract

The capacity of pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ES cells) to proliferate and differentiate makes them promising tools in the field of cell therapy. In spite of the controversy surrounding the numerous ethical questions raised by this technology, it has been shown to have therapeutic potential for heart, lung, liver, bone and connective tissue regeneration. In addition, a very attractive aspect of this technology is its potential for the treatment of cerebral pathology. A number of studies using ES cell transplants report the differentiation of ES cells in the brain or spinal cord of rodents, and the improvement of locomotor and/or cognitive deficits caused by brain injury. This review offers a synthesis of recent advances in the field of both human and rodent stem cell manipulation to select populations of neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In parallel, this review emphasizes the striking similarities that exist between genetically programmed embryonic development of the nervous system and the differentiation of ES cells in vitro. Copyright © 2006 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.