Progenitor cell biology - Implications for neural regeneration

A few brief years ago, damage to the central nervous system was generally p erceived to be irreparable, and loss of neurons was largely viewed as an ir reversible process. However, major advances in the study of neural progenit or cells have altered these perceptions, and rational approaches to the rep air of the damaged nervous system using transplanted progenitor cells now s eem feasible. This review will discuss the basic biology of neural progenit or cells, the mechanisms regulating the generation of neurons and glia from these cells, and the techniques that are available for preparing such cell s for transplantation into the nervous system. The potential uses for these cells in treating neurologic disease will then be reviewed, and the theore tical and technical problems that may be encountered will be discussed.