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Creating ideal neural cells for clinical use

Researchers at the Burnham Institute developed a protocol to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into committed neural precursor cells, which can be used for transplantation. The C-NPCs were transplanted into mice and became active neurons without generating tumor outgrowth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateApr 13, 2009

Ex vivo neural stem cell expansion

A recent study demonstrates that the polycomb group protein Bmi-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining forebrain neural stem cell self-renewal. The findings show that overexpression of Bmi-1 increases stem cell self-renewal both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential for neural regeneration and repair.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 28, 2009

Researchers generate functional neurons from somatic cells

Scientists successfully generated functionally mature motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for new treatments of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal cord injury. This study offers a promising alternative to embryo-derived cells for regenerative medicine.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateFeb 24, 2009

An inexhaustible source of neural cells

Scientists have successfully derived brain stem cells from human embryonic stem cells, providing a continual in vitro supply of diverse types of neural cells. These cells can serve as an inexhaustible source for studying neurodegenerative diseases and possible active agents directly in human neural cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2009

Hebrew University scientists succeed through stem cell therapy in reversing brain birth defects

Researchers at Hebrew University have made significant breakthroughs in reversing brain birth defects in animal models by using stem cells to replace defective brain cells. In their study, Prof. Joseph Yanai and his team demonstrated that stem cells can induce the host brain to produce large numbers of stem cells, repairing damage and ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 29, 2008

Researchers link early stem cell mutation to autism

Researchers at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have found a direct link between neural stem cell development and Autism. Mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) protein showed smaller brains, fewer nerve cells, and behaviors similar to those seen in humans with Rett Syndrome.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2008

Human stem cells aid stroke recovery in rats

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used human embryonic stem cells to generate neural cells that helped repair damage in the brains of rats and improved their physical abilities. The study showed promising results, with the transplanted cells forming only three families of neural cells and not forming tumors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2008

Brain stem cells sensitive to space radiation

Researchers discovered that a special type of stem cell in the brain is selectively killed by space radiation, raising concerns about cognitive and emotional risks for astronauts. The study's findings suggest that identifying medications or physical shielding to protect these cells will be crucial for future human space missions.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalExperimental Neurology·DateDec 11, 2007

Replacing the cells lost in Parkinson disease

Researchers have discovered a novel method to produce dopamine cells for Parkinson's disease treatment by cultivating ventral midbrain neural stem cells with Wnt5a. This approach yielded substantial recovery in mice with PD-like disease, without tumor development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 3, 2007