The derivation of neural progenitor cells from human embryonic stem (ES) cells is of value both in the study of early human neurogenesis and in the creation of an unlimited source of donor cells for neural transplantation therapy. Here we report the generation of enriched and expandable preparations of proliferating neural progenitors from human ES cells. The neural progenitors could differentiate in vitro into the three neural lineages--astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and mature neurons. When human neural progenitors were transplanted into the ventricles of newborn mouse brains, they incorporated in large numbers into the host brain parenchyma, demonstrated widespread distribution, and differentiated into progeny of the three neural lineages. The transplanted cells migrated along established brain migratory tracks in the host brain and differentiated in a region-specific manner, indicating that they could respond to local cues and participate in the processes of host brain development. Our observations set the stage for future developments that may allow the use of human ES cells for the treatment of neurological disorders.

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Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of the early preimplantation embryo. An efficient strategy for stable genetic modification of hES cells may be highly valuable for manipulating the cells in vitro and may promote the study of hES cell biology, human embryogenesis, and the development of cell-based therapies. Here, we demonstrate that vectors derived from self-inactivating (SIN) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are efficient tools for stable genetic modification of hES cells. Transduction of hES cells by a modified vector derived from SIN HIV-1 and containing the woodchuck hepatitis regulatory element (WPRE) and the central polypurine tract (cPPT) sequence facilitated stable transgene expression during prolonged (38 weeks) undifferentiated proliferation in vitro. Southern blot analysis revealed that the viral vector had integrated into the host cells' DNA. Transgene expression was maintained throughout differentiation into progeny of all three germ layers both in vitro and in vivo in teratomas. Thus, the transduced hES cells retained the capability for self-renewal and their pluripotent potential. Genetic modification of hES cells by lentiviral vectors provides a powerful tool for basic and applied research in the area of human ES cells.

Undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are currently propagated on a relatively small scale as monolayer colonies. Culture of hESCs as floating aggregates is widely used for induction of differentiation into embryoid bodies. Here we show that hESC lines can be derived from floating inner cell masses in suspension culture conditions that do not involve feeder cells or microcarriers. This culture system supports prolonged propagation of the pluripotent stem cells as floating clusters without their differentiation into embryoid bodies. HESCs cultivated as aggregates in suspension maintain the expression of pluripotency markers and can differentiate into progeny of the three germ layers both in vitro and in vivo. We further show the controlled differentiation of hESC clusters in suspension into neural spheres. These results pave the way for large-scale expansion and controlled differentiation of hESCs in suspension, which would be valuable in basic and applied research.

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