Human Neural Progenitor Cells

Description

Human Neural Progenitor Cells (hNPCs) are isolated from human fetal brain tissue. These cells possess self-renewal capacity and multipotency, enabling them to differentiate into multiple neural lineages.. These cells can give rise to neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, making them valuable for studying neurodevelopment and modeling neurological disorders. hNPCs typically express characteristic neural stem cell markers including Nestin, SOX1, SOX2, and PAX6, which maintain their proliferative and undifferentiated state. Morphologically, hNPCs appear as small, bipolar or multipolar cells with a high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, and they grow in adherent monolayers or neurosphere culture.Their plasticity and differentiation potential have positioned hNPCs as crucial tools for investigating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as for screening potential neuroprotective compounds. Recent advances have enabled the use of hNPCs in cell replacement therapies, particularly through their differentiation into dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson’s treatment.