| Summary: | Neural precursor cells (NPCs) are excellent candidates for use in therapeutic applications which aim to replace lost or damaged cells in an injured central nervous system (CNS); however, to effectively harness their potential, the factors that regulate NPC behaviour and fate must be well understood. Herein, we examine the effects of Cyclosporin A on NPC proliferation kinetics, survival, and fate using in vitro assays at the population level and at the single cell level. Cyclosporin A acts directly on NPCs to enhance cell survival, without altering NPC proliferation kinetics or differentiation profiles, resulting in greater numbers and size of NPC colonies. Additionally, Cyclosporin A decreases cell-cell adhesions. Analogous with our in vitro results, administration of Cyclosporin A to uninjured adult animals increases NPC numbers. Thus, Cyclosporin A can effectively increase the NPC pool making it a promising molecule for developing clinically relevant strategies for CNS repair.
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