title: Targeting the vasculature to improve neural progenitor transplant survival.
abstract: Neural progenitor transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for several neurological diseases and injuries. In nearly all human clinical trials and animal models that have tested this strategy, the low survival rate of progenitors after engraftment remains a significant challenge to overcome. Developing methods to improve the survival rate will reduce the number of cells required for transplant and will likely enhance functional improvements produced by the procedure. Here we briefly review the close relationship between the blood vasculature and neural progenitors in both the embryo and adult nervous system. We also discuss previous studies that have explored the role of the vasculature and hypoxic pre-conditioning in neural transplants. From these studies, we suggest that hypoxic pre-conditioning of a progenitor pool containing both neural and endothelial cells will improve engrafted transplanted neuronal survival rates.
authors.affiliation: Burke Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605, USA; Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, 785 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605, USA; Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10605, USA.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: Burke Medical Research Institute, 785 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605, USA; Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10605, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cave
keywords: Neural progenitors; Neural stem cells; Transplant vasculature pre-conditioning