Although it is known that embryonic stem cells (MC) has been made to differentiate into different types of neural cells, production of cortical projection neurons with correct axonal morphology and functional connectivity has not been demonstrated. Until now … without doubt an important step in the transplantation of neurons as an alternative to treatment of various brain diseases.
According to research published in The Journal of Neuroscience the successful transplantation of neurons from embryonic stem cells and fully integrarslas in the brain of young animals. The need for a healthy brain’s normal behavior and precise stable connections between neural cells. This new finding is the first to demonstrate that stem cells can be directed not only to become specific cells in the brain, but to interact properly.
In this study, a team of neuroscientists led by James Weimann, PhD, of Stanford Medical School focused on the cells that transmit information from the cortex of the brain, some of which are responsible for muscle control. These are neurons that are lost or damaged in spinal cord injuries and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “These stem cells arise in neurons and nerve fibers can grow as between the cortex and spinal cord, so this study confirms the use of stem cells for therapeutic purposes.”
To integrate new brain cells in a successful, researchers first had to program the unspecialized cells to become specific cells in the cortex of the brain. The cells that were precursors of cortical neurons were cultured in a petri dish until they showed many of the same characteristics of mature neurons. Young neurons were transplanted into the brains of newborn mice, particularly in regions of the cerebral cortex responsible for vision, touch and movement.
So far, adequately perform these cellular connections in the nervous system had been a major problem for brain therapies. In this case, maturing neurons extended to the right brain structures, and equally important, they did not in inappropriate areas. The authors showed that the proper connectivity to an important class of projection neurons can be obtained from newborn animals ”
The researchers also compared two methods used to grow cells for transplantation, only one of which produces the desired results. “The authors provide a protocol for how to get the right type of neurons to show adequate connectivity,” “It is a huge step forward in the practical use of these cells.”
Now, researchers will study whether the same results can be achieved in adult animals and ultimately humans. Weimann and colleagues also hope to understand how the transplanted cells “knew” precisely to connect the right, and if they can generate the correct behaviors, such as vision and movement.
