Parthenogenetic dopamine neurons from primate embryonic stem cells restore function in experimental Parkinson's disease.

ABSTRACT: The identity and functional potential of dopamine neurons derived in vitro from embryonic stem cells are critical for the development of a stem cell-based replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. Using a parthenogenetic primate embryonic stem cell line, we have generated dopamine neurons that display persistent expression of midbrain regional and cell-specific transcription factors, which establish their proper identity and allow for their survival. We show here that transplantation of parthenogenetic dopamine neurons restores motor function in hemi-parkinsonian, 6-hydroxy-dopamine-lesioned rats. Exposure to Wnt5a and fibroblast growth factors (FGF) 20 and 2 at the final stage of in vitro differentiation enhanced the survival of dopamine neurons and, correspondingly, the extent of moto

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Pernaute R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2724903 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature