Sa1817 Intestinal Mucosa-Derived Neural Stem Cells Give Rise to Neurons and Glia

identical to those formed by brain NSCs. 5) NSCs from both brain and gut gave rise to neurons In Vivo when transplanted into aganglionic chicken hindgut. Nestin expression was lost by the neuronal lineage, but retained by the glial lineage. 6) Addition of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) significantly increased the number of neurons in culture. Conclusions: Brainand gut-derived NSCs share many similarities. Both arise from Nestin+ cells. As neurospheres, they maintain Nestin expression. Nestin is downregulated as NSC differentiate to neurons, but preserved in newly formed glia. Both can be successfully transplanted into aganglionic chicken, where they give rise to neurons and glial cells.