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Adult Stem
Cells Reprogrammed To Become Myelin-Making Cells
Main
Category: Multiple
Sclerosis
Article Date: 01 Aug 2008 - 4:00 PDT
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
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 important step and we look forward to seeing how the work progresses.'
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