Neural Stem Cells

Question 1

Neurosphere Assay

Answer 1

Reynolds and Weiss plated cells disaggregated from brains with EGF. Cells expressed Nestin. Replated the cells, most died, some formed aggregate. Re-plated the aggregates, aggregates formed again. Aggregates = neurospheres = neuronal SCs

Question 2

> 2mm

Answer 2

Size neurospheres have to be to be serially passaged. Suggests that stem cells are the minority, as in smaller neurospheres with fewer cells, they are less likely to be present so can’t sustain proliferation

Question 3

Reynolds and Weiss, 1992

Answer 3

First to report potential regenerative cells in the brain. Generated neurones and astrocytes from isolated CNS cells