METHODS FOR PROMOTING STEM CELL PROLIFERATION AND SURVIVAL

摘要

Methods are disclosed herein for increasing the number of stem cells or precursor cells. The number of stem cells can be increased by increasing survival and/or cell proliferation of the cells. The methods include contacting the cells with an effective amount of a Notch ligand, an effective amount of a growth factor, and an effective amount of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2). In several embodiments, the methods include contacting the cells with an effective amount of a Jak inhibitor. In several non-limiting examples, the growth factor is insulin or glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), or a combination thereof. In additional non-limiting examples, the Notch ligand is Delta. The cells can be in vivo orin vitro. Methods are also disclosed here for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder or spinal cord injury in a subject. In several non-limiting examples, the subject has Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease.