Project overview
Sources of stem cells used for nervous system repair vary widely. In our work, we studies a specific type of stem cells called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These cells can easily be acquired from adult sources including skin cells and be differentiated into any cell type in the body. Stem cells used in nervous system repair largely rely upon implantation into a growth-prohibitive injury site within the brain or spinal cord, often resulting in the death of implanted cells negating clinical benefit.
This project aims to use iPSCs that have been programmed to become neuronal precursor cells (iPSC-NPCs) to replace injured neurons within the central nervous system. We will study the differentiation of these cells into neurons with similar properties as those cells found in the brain.
This project aims to use iPSCs that have been programmed to become neuronal precursor cells (iPSC-NPCs) to replace injured neurons within the central nervous system. We will study the differentiation of these cells into neurons with similar properties as those cells found in the brain.
