Neural Progenitor Cell Populations

Abstract

This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural progenitor population. The progenitors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The differentiated cell populations or the neural progenitors can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders.

We claim: 
     
         1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A first and second cell population comprising a) a first in vitro population of cells comprising cells expressing stage specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA 3) and stage specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA 4) and markers detectable using antibodies TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81; and b) a second in vitro cell population comprising progeny of a portion of the first population of cells, wherein the progeny express NCAM and is a neural precursor. 
     
     
         32 . The first and second cell populations of  claim 31 , wherein the first and second populations of cells are contained in separate containers. 
     
     
         33 . A first and second cell population comprising a) a first in vitro population of cells comprising cells expressing stage specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA 3) and stage specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA 4) and markers detectable using antibodies TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81; and b) a second in vitro cell population comprising progeny of a portion of the first population of cells, wherein the progeny express A2B5 and are multipotent neural progenitor cells. 
     
     
         34 . The first and second cell populations of  claim 33 , wherein the first and second populations of cells are contained in separate containers. 
     
     
         35 . The first and second cell populations of  claim 33 , wherein the second population of cells express NCAM. 
     
     
         36 . The first and second cell populations of  claim 33 , wherein the second population of cells express .beta.-tubullin III. 
     
     
         37 . The first and second cell populations of  claim 33 , wherein the second population of cells express Map-2. 
     
     
         38 . The first and second cell populations of  claim 33 , wherein the second population of cells express GFAP. 
     
     
         39 . A first and second cell population comprising a) a first in vitro population of cells comprising cells expressing stage specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA 3) and stage specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA 4) and markers detectable using antibodies TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81; and b) a second in vitro cell population comprising progeny of a portion of the first population of cells, wherein the progeny express tyrosine hydroxylase and wherein the second population of cells express Map-2.