Adult Stem Cells Reprogrammed To Become Myelin-Making Cells
01 Aug 2008=A0=A0=A0
Research published in Nature Neuroscience , electronic publication ahead
of print) has shown that adult stem cells in mice that are developing
into nerve cells can be redirected to turn into myelin -making cells by
changing a single gene . This type of research may some day help repair
the damage to myelin which occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS).
In people with MS the immune system can attack both myelin and myelin
making cells (oligodendrocytes). Limiting the number of myelin making
cells impairs the capacity to repair the damage to myelin.
One potential treatment option currently being investigated involves
encouraging immature stem cells that reside in the adult brain, called
neural stem cells, to move to areas of damage and repair myelin.
When neural stem cells are grown in the laboratory scientists have been
able to reprogramme them to develop into several different types of
brain cells, including oligodendrocytes. This latest research which took
place in The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California sought
to determine if it would be possible to repeat these experiments in the
brain.
A gene called Asc1 which is associated with oligodendrocyte development
was introduced into the stem cells in the brain and caused neural stem
cells to develop into oligodendrocytes.
This study confirms that adult stem cells in the brain retain their
ability to be converted to certain other types of brain cells. Further
research is needed to determine the significance of these finding to
myelin repair in people with MS.
Dr Laura Bell at the MS Society said: 'Finding a way to cause stem cells
which are already present in the brain to repair damaged myelin is an
attractive potential treatment option for people with MS. This is early
research but it is an im****tant step and we look forward to seeing how
the work progresses.'
Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/116949.php
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