Extended periods of neural induction and propagation of embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitors with EGF and FGF2 enhances Lmx1a expression and neurogenic potential.

Neural stem (NS) cells are multipotent cells defined by their capacity to proliferate and differentiate into all neuronal and glial phenotypes. NS cells can be obtained from specific regions of the adult brain, or generated from embryonic stem cells (ESCs). NS cells differentiate into neural progenitor (NP) cells and subsequently neural precursors, as transient steps towards terminal differentiation into specific mature neuronal or glial phenotypes.