Embryonic stem cell-derived glial precursors: a source of myelinating transplants

Science. 1999 Jul 30;285(5428):754-6. doi: 10.1126/science.285.5428.754.

Abstract

Self-renewing, totipotent embryonic stem (ES) cells may provide a virtually unlimited donor source for transplantation. A protocol that permits the in vitro generation of precursors for oligodendrocytes and astrocytes from ES cells was devised. Transplantation in a rat model of a human myelin disease shows that these ES cell-derived precursors interact with host neurons and efficiently myelinate axons in brain and spinal cord. Thus, ES cells can serve as a valuable source of cell type-specific somatic precursors for neural transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / cytology*
  • Brain / embryology
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement
  • Cerebral Ventricles / embryology
  • Cerebral Ventricles / surgery
  • Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder / genetics
  • Diffuse Cerebral Sclerosis of Schilder / therapy*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Growth Substances / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Myelin Basic Protein / biosynthesis
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein / biosynthesis
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein / genetics
  • Myelin Sheath / physiology*
  • Oligodendroglia / cytology*
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia / transplantation*
  • Oligodendroglia / ultrastructure
  • Rats
  • Spinal Cord
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Stem Cells / cytology*

Substances

  • Growth Substances
  • Myelin Basic Protein
  • Myelin Proteolipid Protein