Such a possibility particularly needs to be considered in light of the striking differences between GDAsBMP and GRP cells in their production of multiple potentially beneficial substances and their ability to provide protection in vitro (Figs 1 and 2), along with our previous studies demonstrating a much greater potency of GDAsBMP than their parental precursor cells in providing benefit in experimental spinal cord injuries (Davies et al, 2006, 2008, 2011). This evidence concerns the gene GRP and spinal cord injury.