Neural Stem Cells

NS cells are multipotent stem cells that have the ability to differentiate into all the terminally differentiated cell phenotypes found in the CNS, including neurons and two non-neuronal cell types - astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. These cells can be found in the embryonic, neonatal and adult brain and can also be derived from pluripotent stem cell lines.1-3 Recently, the generation of pure populations of long-term self-renewing neuroepithelial-like stem cells (lt-NES) derived from both hES cells and from iPS cells, with a molecular signature corresponding to the neural tube, has been described.4,5 These cells can be cultured in adherent conditions under static or dynamic conditions. In this way it is possible to avoid the neurosphere culture system that, although important in key findings in the past, face some limitations, namely the heterogeneity observed within the neurospheres. For that reason, lt-NES cells can be cultured in microcarriers.6 Microcarriers are small spherical particles where cells can grow as monolayers by adhering to their surface. They can be used in dynamic systems, such as stirred bioreactors, circumventing the limitation of static culture systems. Static systems, like T-flasks or culture dishes, are characterized by a limited available surface not allowing the production of a large number of cells.