Adult human neural stem cells for cell-replacement therapies in the central nervous system.
Human neural stem cells (HNSCs) can be isolated from both the developing and adult central nervous system (CNS). HNSCs can be successfully grown in culture, are self-renewable, and can generate mature neuronal and glial progeny. Embryonic HNSCs can be induced to differentiate into specific neuronal phenotypes. HNSCs successfully integrate into the host environment after transplantation into the developing or adult CNS. HNSCs transplanted into animal models of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury have induced functional recovery. The risks associated with stem cell transplantation trials are difficult to assess, but have not become overtly apparent throughout preclinical investigations. Major hurdles remain to be overcome before human clinical trials can be embarked upon.
Galvin
Kerry A
KA
Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Jones
D Gareth
DG
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000166:cytology*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000601:surgery; D051381:Rats; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation