Bone marrow-derived neuronal cells

Abstract

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) differentiate into neuron-like phenotypes in vitro and in vivo, engrafted into normal or denervated rat striatum. The BMSC did not remain localized to the site of the graft, but migrated throughout the brain and integrated into specific brain regions in various architectonic patterns. The most orderly integration of BMSC was in the laminar distribution of cerebellar Purkinje cells, where the BMSC-derived cells took on the Purkinje phenotype. The BMSC exhibited site-dependent differentiation and expressed several neuronal markers including neuron-specific nuclear protein, tyrosine hydroxylase and calbindin. BMSC can be used to target specific brain nuclei in strategies of neural repair and gene therapy.

1 . Non-fetal, non-tumorigenic, bone-marrow derived neuronal cells.  
     
     
         2 . The cells of  claim 1 , further comprising being capable of migrating.  
     
     
         3 . A cell line of neuronal cells arising from bone marrow stromal cells having been incubated with retinoic acid A for a time sufficient to modify at least a portion to neuronal cells, wherein the neuronal cells have the ability to migrate and localize to specific neuroanatomical regions where the Neuronal cells differentiate into neurons typical of the region and integrate in characteristic architectonic patterns.  
     
     
         4 . A kit for neuronal cell auto-transplant comprising 
 a) a syringe suitable for obtaining bone marrow    b) plastic flask with dehydrated culture medium;    c) bone marrow stem cell.    
     
     
         5 . A method of treating a neurodegenerative disorder comprising administering a sufficient quantity of the cells produced by  claim 3  to an individual with said neurodegenerative disorder.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the disorder is Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease, ischemia, spinal cord damage, ataxia, or alcoholism.  
     
     
         7 . A method of screening for effects of substances on human neuronal cells, said method comprising 
 a) providing a mammal with implanted human neuronal cells, said cells having migrated to at least one specific location in the mammal's brain;    b) administering the mammal the substance; and    c) observing the mammal for an effect of the substance.