Cloned multipotential precursors from the mouse cerebrum require FGF-2, whereas glial restricted precursors are stimulated with either FGF-2 or EGF.

Abstract

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) have both been reported to stimulate precursors in the developing CNS. To clarify these effects, we used clonal analysis to determine the lineage potential of precursors stimulated with each factor, at two stages of development. It was found that in cells isolated from the cerebrum of embryonic day 17 (E17) mice, FGF-2 stimulated both a multipotential precursor, which gave rise to neurons and astrocytes, and a committed glial precursor. In contrast, EGF only stimulated the glial restricted precursor. Thus, it appears that the multipotential cell, previously identified to be present at E10, remains selectively responsive to ..