Year 5

Since the last progress report we have confirmed and extrapolated our studies and, as proposed last year, we have identified specific proteins that are secreted by human embryonic stem cells and that enhance muscle regeneration. We have extrapolated the mouse findings and see that these therapeutic embryonic proteins have the pro-regenerative activity on human muscle cells, and excitingly, show that these factors also enhance proliferation of neuronal stem cells and even combat the Alzheimer’s disease (modeled in human cortical neurons derived from embryonic stem cells). We are starting to understand how these pro-regenerative proteins act (which will help to optimally harness their therapeutic potential). We are also in the process of attempting rejuvenation of tissue repair in live aged animals and the preliminary results are encouraging. Notably, the manuscripts, which were listed in the last progress report as in preparation or submitted have been published.