Mouse Neural Stem Cells (MNSC) are multipotent, and can be induced to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes that make up the central nervous system (CNS). Neurospheres transplanted into intact brain can survive, expand and differentiate into mature neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in 3 weeks. The ability of neural stem cells to retain multi-lineage potential and proliferate extensively in vitro provides new avenues for the treatment of neural degenerative diseases and injuries. Isolated from fetal or adult mouse brains, MNSC are maintained in an undifferentiated, proliferative state by culturing them as free floating neurospheres in serum-free medium optimized with growth factors. MNSC are cryopreserved at first passage and can be cultured and propagated for 1-2 passages prior to induction of phenotypic differentiation. Differentiated MNSCs are positive for β-tubulin III, GFAP and the oligodendrocyte marker O4 when cultured in Mouse Neural Differentiation Medium. The cells form neurospheres in Mat Neural Stem Cell Growth Medium.

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