Gene marking of human neural stem/precursor cells using green fluorescent proteins

Abstract

Background. Ex vivo gene therapy and cell replacement in the nervous system may provide therapeutic opportunities for neurodegenerative disorders. The development of optimal gene marking procedures for human neural stem cells (hNSCs) is crucial for the success of these strategies, in order to provide a correct understanding of the biology of transplanted cells. Methods. hNSCs were modified to express various members of the green fluorescent protein family of proteins. Both DNA and retroviral expression vectors were used. Cells were analyzed for transgene expression under transient and stable expression schemes, and in the presence or absence of drug selection, by fluorescence microscopy, his..