A new way to use the stem cells of the neural crest

June 28, 2011

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The role of stem cells is difficult to overestimate, and if it comes to Nervous system   cells which, as is well known, can not be restored, even more so. Scientists from the Max Planck Institutes of brain research in Frankfurt and Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg could of neural stem cells PNS (peripheral nervous system) to obtain cells CNS (central nervous system).

Researchers have discovered a way to develop myelinated neurons - the most numerous group of glial cells. For this purpose they were placed in a special environment peripheral stem cells That produced oligodendrity Forming a shell of neurons of the brain and spinal cord, so-called myelin layer.

Oligodendrity As we know, are affected in such a serious disease of the nervous system as multiple sclerosis . The latter, depending on the localization of the pathological process leading to frustration of view including blindness, chanting speech, spastic paralysis , A sharp increase of tendon reflexes, nystagmus. Thanks to this unique discovery scientists from the Max Planck Society research may on closer investigation, solve the problem of healing the sick from a serious illness of the nervous system.

Before this it was thought that of neural stem cells can be obtained only glial   perifiricheskoynervnoy cell system. Scientists from the Max Planck Society have reprogrammed the culture medium in a way that neural crest cells were able to change their identity, and without genetic modification of cells. Scientists believe that the reason for such a transformation of the culture medium is a growth factor fibroblasts Involved in the reprogramming.

To implement this research in cell therapy for humans is necessary to examine in greater detail exactly what the molecular mechanisms responsible for the reprogramming of neural stem cells and what conditions are needed for this.