Effects of EPO on neural stem cell development

Besides its major role in the hematopoietic system, erythropoietin (EPO) has numerous functions in the central nervous system with a major focus on proliferation, neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. A main research area focuses on the effect of human recombinant EPO on proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions and on the functional implications of the EpoR. Furthermore the effect of exogenous hrEpo on proliferation, metabolic activity, apoptosis and differentiation will be investigated in human neural progenitor cells of different bran regions. In addition, the effect of EPO as an inhibitor of the GSK3β of the Wnt pathway will be investigated, with a special focus on the dopaminergic differentiation. This will enable to transfer results into animal models of neurodegeneration like PD and HD.