Research Objective

We will generate a comprehensive map of human neural stem cell differentiation profiles that will serve as a reference for enhancing neural stem cell-based therapies.

Impact

Our project will develop improved protocols for human neural stem cells differentiation, enhancing the fidelity, safety and robustness of future cell therapies.

Major Proposed Activities

• Establish quantitative map of neural stem cell differentiations to serve as a reference.
• Determine how radial glia neural stem cell differentiation is impacted by genetic or environmental perturbation.
• Quantitatively compare neural stem cell differentiation in human and cerebral organoid model.
• Determine mechanisms underlying neural stem cell differentiation in human developing brain tissue.
• Compare neural stem cell survival in mouse brain tissue.

Californians asked CIRM to support stem cell research towards treatments for brain disorders by earmarking 25% funds for CNS projects. Cell therapy applications in the nervous system have the potential to address CNS disorders including Epilepsy, Stroke, and Neurodegenerative Disorders. However, neural stem cell transplantation is inefficient and poorly understood in human brain tissue. Our project directly addresses these limitations using a combination of genetic and cellular approaches.