Since NRG1 itself can prevent stroke-induced pro-inflammatory and stress gene expressions, promoting neuronal survival against ischemic stroke [24, 48, 49], NRG1-AdMSCs-mediated high NRG1 expression during the critical post-ischemic period, together with beneficial roles of AdMSCs, may lead to better functional recovery and reduction in infarct volume, compared to adenoviral NRG1-, AdMSCs- or PBS-treated groups. The gene discussed is NRG1; the disease is ischemic stroke.