Role of growth-differentiation factor (GDF) 15 in the regulation of embryonic neural precursors [Elektronische Ressource] / presented by Carmen Carrillo García

Dissertation submitted to the Combined Faculties for the Natural Sciences and for Mathematics of the Ruperto-Carola University of Heidelberg, Germany for the degree of Doctor of Natural Sciences. presented by Diplom Carmen Carrillo García Born in Santander, España. thOral-examination: 12 November 2008. I Role of Growth/Differentiation Factor (GDF) 15 in the regulation of embryonic neural precursors. Referees: Prof. Dr. Klaus Unsicker Prof. Dr. Hilmar Bading II A mis padres y hermano. To Francesca, with all my gratitude. III Index Index: Summary...............................................................................................1 Zusammenfassung. ..............................................................................2 Articles from this PhD thesis:.............................................................3 Chapter 1: Introduction......................................................................4 1.1- Definition of neural stem cells. .................................................................4 1.2- Neural precursor cells during development............................................6 1.3- FGF-2/EGF responsiveness during embryonic development................9 1.4- Transforming growth factor-beta (TFG- ) superfamily.....................13 1.4.