NCATS Team Creates Astrocytes Faster From Stem Cells for Drug Development and Regenerative Medicine

Generating astrocytes for research on neurodegenerative and other disorders can be a delicate and time-consuming process. But scientists at NCATS and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke have used stem cells and a novel shortcut to quickly create large supplies of astrocytes. The breakthrough could help speed new therapies for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, autism and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Learn more about NCATS’ work with stem cells at https://ncats.nih.gov/stemcell.