Isolation and Culture of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells

Abstract

Neural stem cells, with the capacity of self-renewal and abilities to differentiate into the major cell types of the brain, exist in the developing and adult rodent central nervous system. These cells can be grown in vitro for long periods of time while retaining the capacity to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. In this chapter, we describe the steps in detail to isolate and expand neural stem cells in the form of neurospheres from tissue dissections of the embryonic mouse brain. Procedures for the long-term passage of neurospheres, the cryopreservation of neurospheres, and their differentiation are also provided. Although the methodology seems simple, strict adherence to the procedures described is required in order to achieve reliable and consistent results.