Furthermore, SDF1-A appears to play a critical role in modulating Lin−/Sca1+ cell migration to the site of the stroke itself and that administration of an SDF1-A neutralizing antibody impaired both the mobilization of Lin−/Sca1+ cells to the blood, as well as the homing of exogenous Lin−/Sca1+ cells to ischemic brain. The gene discussed is CXCL12; the disease is stroke disorder.