Molecular and Cellular Transitions from ES Cells to Mature Functioning Human Neurons

Fred Gage
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Comprehensive: RC1-00115-1
Status: Active
$2879210.00

The Comprehensive Awards support mature, ongoing studies on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) by scientists with a record of accomplishment in the field. The 28 awards worth $72,031,576 were given out on 3/16/07. You can learn more about these awards by reading the RFA or reading the press release.

Public Abstract (provided by applicant)

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent entities, capable of generating a whole-body spectrum of distinct cell types. We have developmental procedures for inducing hESCs to develop into pure populations of human neural stem cells (hNS), a step required for generating authentic mature human neurons. Several protocols have currently been developed to differentiate hESCs to what appear to be differentiated dopaminergic neurons (important in Parkinson

Statement of benefit to California (provided by applicant)

We plan to develop procedures to induce human ES cells into mature functioning neurons that carry genes that cause the debilitating human neurological diseases, Parkinson