Generation of dopaminergic neurons from human nervous system stem cells

摘要

The present invention relates to methods for generating dopaminergic neurons in vitro from embryonic and adult central nervous system cells. Specifically, these cells are isolated, cultured in vitro and stimulated to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons by down-regulating COUP-TFI and/or COUP-TFII expression or increasing NOT1 expression. These newly generated dopaminergic neurons may serve as an excellent source for cell replacement therapy in neurological disorders in which the dopaminergic system is compromised.