Normal neural epithelial precursor cells

Abstract

The present invention describes a method of isolating non-transformed neural epithelial precursor (NEP) cells capable of continuous replication or differentiation depending on their culture conditions. Isolated neural epithelium from zero somite stage (E9) rat embryos is cultured on laminin in hormone and growth factor supplemented DME/F12 basal medium in the presence of bovine pituitary extract and a Schwann cell conditioned medium containing heregulin and forskolin. NEP cells undergo expansion without a growth crisis, senescence or significant spontaneous differentiation, and retain pluripotency. The authors claim the above method as applied to rodent or human neuroepithelium and compositions including such cells combined in a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. Expanded NEP cells are capable of differentiating into neurones expressing central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) markers and glial cell types both in vitro and when implanted into neonatal rat brain.

• CNS cell lines
• glia
• neuroepithelium
• neurones
• stem cells