METHODS FOR PROMOTING STEM CELL PROLIFERATION AND SURVIVAL

摘要

It is disclosed herein that STAT3 phosphorylated at serine 727 is a key regulator of proliferation and survival of stem cells and precursor cells. Methods for increasing the survival and proliferation of stem cells and/or precursor are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting a mammalian stem cell mammalian precursor cell with a JAK inhibitor, a p38 inhibitor, or both. Methods are also disclosed for increasing the survival and proliferation of neuronal precursor cells in a subject. The method includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a Notch ligand and a growth factor. Methods are also disclosed for identifying an agent that increases the proliferation of stem cells and/or precursor cells. The method includes contacting a stem cell or a precursor cell with an agent of interest, wherein the stem cell or the precursor cell expresses STAT3; and determining the phosphorylation status of serine 727 of STAT3 in the cell. Phosphorylation of serine 727 indicates that the agent increases the survival and/or proliferation of stem cells and/or precursor cells. An isolated population of cells is disclosed, wherein the cells express nestin and STAT3, wherein serine 727 of STAT3 is phosphorylated.