Differentiation of embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells promoted by Nkx2.2 gene transfer.

Aim: To investigate the ability of a genetically altered embryonic stem (ES) cell line to generate insulin-producing cells in vitro following transfer of the Nkx2.2 gene.

Methods: Hamster Nkx2.

Photoreceptor cells from mouse ES cells by co-culture with chick embryonic retina.

Degeneration of photoreceptors is a consistent and common endpoint in retinal diseases. Herein, we report the efficient induction of photoreceptor-like cells from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells using chick embryonic retina tissue. Undifferentiated mouse ES cells were initially cultured in a preferential condition into a neural lineage, and ES cells were then co-cultured with chick embryonic day 6 (E6) retina tissues.

Expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), CNTF receptor alpha (CNTFR-alpha) following experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in rats.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is known as a neuro-survival factor in the developing and developed CNS, as well as in the CNS following injury. However, little is known about the expression of CNTF or that of its receptor (CNTFR-alpha) in cases of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We investigated the temporal and spatial profiles of CNTF and CNTFR-alpha expression using a collagenase-induced ICH rat model.