Investigators in the Stem Cell Institute, in collaboration with the Departments of Neuroscience and Neurosurgery, are characterizing how neural stem cells, multipotent adult stem cells, or embryonic stem cells become mature neurons (nerve cells) and glial cells (non-nerve tissue of the brain and spinal cord).
Studies employ innovative in vitro (in the lab) culture systems and state-of-the-art in vivo models (in the body or an organism) to determine the full potential of neural cells generated from stem cells.
The ultimate goal is to develop therapies for Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and spinal cord injury.
In addition to how stem cells become neurons and glial cells, investigators in the Stem Cell Institute, and the Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience will study the differentiation of neural stem cells, multipotent adult stem cells, or embryonic stem cells into the different cells of the retina (the innermost layer of the eye that contains receptors for vision).
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