Favorable proliferation and differentiation capabilities of neural precursor cells derived from rat cochlear nucleus.

NSCs/NPCs could be used for Sensorineural hearing loss treatment, because of the extensive capacity for self-renewal and pluripotency. In order to isolate and identify neural precursor cells (NPCs), we established a strategy to isolate and cultivate NPCs. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and electron microscopy were used to characterize the cells and compare their differentiation patterns with those of olfactory bulb and olfactory epithelium NPCs. Furthermore, NPCs from the cochlear nucleus were sustained good cell viability and cloning efficiency after cryopreservation and thawing. Finally, high capacity to differentiate into astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and neurons of NPCs was found. In conclusion, NPCs isolated from the cochlear nucleus can proliferate and differentiate into functional neurons, which offers a potential strategy for sensorineural hearing loss treatment. In addition, the storage method developed here will benefit further exploration of NPCs.