Stem cell strategies, future and beyond.
The use of stem cells for neuroreplacement therapy is no longer science fiction--it is science fact. We have succeeded in the development of neural and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation to produce neural cells in the brain. We have seen the improvement of cognitive function in a memory-impaired aged animal model following stem cell transplantation. These results may promise a bright future for stem cell strategies. Before we begin to think about clinical applications beyond the present preclinical studies or even consider the pathophysiological environments of individual diseases, we must address and weigh the factors that may affect stem cell biology. Here, we not only show the potential for therapeutic applications for stem cell strategies in neuropathological conditions, but we also discuss the effects on the biology of stem cells of those factors that are altered under disease conditions.
Sugaya
Kiminobu
K
Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois, USA.
D000544:Alzheimer Disease; D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000209:etiology; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology*
D016564:Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor