NCE

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson, as well as neuronal injuries caused by stroke or trauma, result in neuronal cell loss. Current treatments cannot replace or repair the damaged cells. Our proposed research may ultimately lead to the development of an effective treatment for neuronal cell loss.

We have set up an effective system for growing neural progenitor cells derived from human ES cells. We have performed experiments aimed at expanding neural stem cell populations and growing neurons. This could lead to many possible clinical applications.

Transplant-ready neuronal tissues, gene therapies, and drugs targeting the Wnt pathway in order to promote neuronal regeneration are some of the treatments for neurological disorders that may be possible in the future. Our findings will facilitate the progress of developing these new, promising treatments. The success of our project in neural progenitor cell expansion could greatly improve the quality of life for Californians and people everywhere.