Neural precursor cells and their role in neuro-oncology

Neural precursor cells (NPCs) provide a new mode for delivery of genes and proteins to brain tumors. These cells exist both in the developing and the adult nervous systems of all mammalian organisms. They have the ability to self-renew, migrate to diseased areas of the brain and differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The migratory ability of NPCs and their capacity to differentiate into all neural phenotypes provides a powerful tool for the treatment of both diffuse and localized neurological disorders. NPCs have been used in transplantation to replace damaged cells and in cancer therapy to provide therapeutic proteins and vectors to eliminate malignant cells in the brain. This review focuses on the characteristics of NPCs and their experimental use in the therapy for brain tumors. Examples are provided of monitoring migration of NPCs by bioluminescence imaging in living animals and of using them to deliver the apoptotic protein, TRAIL, to kill tumor cells.