The present invention relates to methods of inducing differentiation of
mammalian bone marrow stromal cells into neuronal cells by contacting
marrow stromal cells with a neuronal differentiation-inducing compounds.
Neuronal differentiation-inducing compounds of the invention include
anti-oxidants such as, but not limited to, beta-mercaptoethanol,
dimethylsulfoxide, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene,
ascorbic acid, dimethylfumarate, and n-acetylcysteine. Once induced to
differentiate into neuronal cells, the cells can be used for cell
therapy, gene therapy, or both, for treatment of diseases, disorders, or
conditions of the central nervous system.