Abstract

This review discusses the present field of neurogenesis using adult stem cells. The authors highlight different methods of differentiating adult stem cells into neural cells: Growth factor and chemical induction, transfection, scaffold and/or 3D culture, and bioreactor and external stimuli. These different methods will be discussed using relevant patents and recent (< 5 year) scientific literature. Additionally, the authors present where they believe the future of neurogenesis from stem cells is headed - the use of neural crest stem cells as the ideal cell source for neurogenesis.

Keywords: Differentiation, neural crest stem cells, neurogenesis, neuro-induction, stem cells.