A NOVEL STEM CELL WITH LONG-TERM GROWTH POTENTIAL, METHODS OF CULTURING AND ANIMALS DERIVED THEREFROM

摘要

The present invention provides a substantially homogeneous population of multipotential precursor cells which may be derived from foetal neural stem (FNS) cells, compositions containing FNS cells, adult neural stem (NS) cells, neural tissue, or any source which contains NS cells. These cells may be expanded long term in culture while maintaining their multipotential capacity to differentiate into neurons and glial cells. These cells display a high plasticity. These cells represent an important tool for many cell-based and gene-based therapies for neurological disorders. Accordingly, the invention provides a cellular composition comprising one or more cells having a property characteristic of a precursor or neural stem cell-like cell and wherein said cell is substantially nestin negative.