Genetic modification of neural stem cells

摘要

Genetically modified, epidermal growth factor-responsive neural stem cells are disclosed that are capable of differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in vitro. The stem cells can be proliferated in vitro to result in large numbers of cells for use in transplantation to treat various neurological disorders. The stem cells can be obtained from a human or other animal, cultured in vitro in the presence of a growth factor and genetically modified with desired DNA using techniques known in the art. Alternatively, the precursor cells can be derived from a transgenic animal which has had a desired gene inserted into its genome.