| abstract |
(57) Abstract: A non-human transgenic mammal is produced in which the DNA containing the regulatory sequence of a mammalian nestin gene operably linked to a gene encoding a marker / reporter protein is integrated into the genome. The regulatory sequences may include the promoter and sequences present in the second intron of the mammalian nestin gene. Preferably, the marker / reporter protein is a fluorescent protein, eg, a green fluorescent protein that has been modified to increase fluorescence. Pluripotent, especially populations of neural stem and progenitor cells, are found in organs of non-transgenic mammals or their progeny. Pluripotent stem cells and progenitor cells are isolated directly from non-human transgenic mammals, their progeny or embryos without culture passage, for example, by FACS. |