Year 2

Over the last year we have succeeded in generating nearly pure cultures of human ES cell derived oligodendrocyte precursors from two different human ES cell lines. We are now also testing whether manipulation of transcription factors or morphogenic signaling pathways regulates the ability of these cells to differentiate into oligodendrocytes that produce myelin. We are testing these cells in a rodent stroke model to determine if they survive in the region of the stroke. If they survive, we will test whether they help to treat the strokes. We are also testing cells in transplantation into a developmental ischemia model and a model for genetic failure to produce myelin.