Investigating properties of stem cells, such as chromosomal abnormalities, that may indicate a potential for tumor formation both prior to and following transplantation into the brain.

 

An example of chromosomes from rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (P1) (see right)

 

Evaluating the capabilities of various types of growth media to induce differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into neurospheres (precursors to mature brain cells).

 

Differentiated MSCs form neurospheres and express neural stem cell markers Nestin (green) and Tuj-1 (red) with DAPI counterstain (blue) (see right)

 

Investigating the potential benefits of progesterone and stem cell transplants as therapies to reduce behavioral deficits and neurodegeneration in the Endothelin-1 (ET-1) rat model of stroke.

 

Brain sections from a vehicle-treated rat (right top) and a rat treated with endothelin-1 (right bottom). Endothelin-1 produces brain damage and behavioral changes similar to what is observed in stroke.