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Scientists at Northwestern University have proven it is possible to turn stem cells into neurons which could allow damaged or lost brain cells to be replaced.
It means that in future, doctors could take skin cells from a patient, convert them into stem cells and then use the technique to create a bank of healthy neurons for transplant into the brain or spinal cord.
The cells would genetically match the patient so there would be no chance of rejection.
The team believes it could provide a promising therapy for spinal cord injuries as well as neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis (MS).
Sabra Brock
Jonathan Chrimes