CULTIVATING NEURONAL STEM CELLS
Jacqueline Sagen, Ph.D. • Pantelis Tsoulfas, Ph.D.

In neuroscience, current stem cell research is focused on clarifying what cues are necessary for them to develop into specialized cells, to survive and, when transplanted, to become an integrated part of the nervous system. Currently, an obstacle that scientists face is whether the stem cells will survive and whether they will differentiate (develop) when transplanted into the adult nervous system.

Miami Project researcher, Dr. Sagen conducted a study to learn whether adding a specific type of cell to the culture dish with stem cells would promote the stem cell’s survival and development. Chromaffin cells were chosen because we know they produce neurotrophins, molecules that support the survival of neurons. When transplanted with stem cells, the investigators hypothesize that chromaffin cells may support the survival of stem cells by providing a continuous supply of neurotrophins. In this study, stem cell cultures that had neurotrophins added were compared to stem cells co-cultured with chromaffin cells. The chromaffin cells alone promoted survival of the stem cells, as well as the cultures that had direct application of the neurotrophin. In future transplantation approaches, the direct application of neurotrophins, while preferred, may not be feasible. The findings of this study indicate that chromaffin cells provide a supportive environment for stem cells and suggest they may be useful in providing a sustained supply of neurotrophins. This study is an example of the Miami Project’s efforts to determine the usefulness of stem cells for restoring function following SCI.