Neuronal differentiation of cryopreserved neural progenitor cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem cells (ES cells) are developmentally pluripotent cells isola ted from pre-implantation mammalian embryos. In cell culture ES cells can b e easily differentiated to generate cultures of neural progenitors. We pres ent a simple method for the cryopreservation of these ES-derived neural pro genitors. Cryopreserved neural progenitor stocks can be thawed, expanded wi th FGF2, and differentiated into functional neurons. This method will facil itate studies using ES-derived neural progenitor cells as a cell culture mo del system for neural development and differentiation. It will also aid stu dies designed to test the ability of these progenitor cells to functionally engraft and repair damaged neural tissue. (C) 2000 Academic Press.