The present disclosure describes the generation of neural cells and neurons from mammalian pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells (ELSCs) isolated from corneal limbal tissue, a non-embryonic tissue. Specifically, the present disclosure describes the generation of neuroprogenitor cells and differentiated dopaminergic neurons from ELSCs. The disclosed methods demonstrate the potential of ELSCs as a therapeutic tool, and may provide new therapeutic alternatives for various diseases, conditions, and injuries. Neuroprogenitor cells generated from ELSCs isolated from corneo-limbal tissue were transplanted into a rat model of Parkinson's disease, and were able to alleviate motor abnormalities in the rats for at least six months.
Dopaminergic neurons derived from corneal limbus, methods of isolation and uses thereof