Neural stem cell research in Africa: current realities and future prospects

Abstract

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are immature progenitor cells that are found in developing and adult brains that have the potential of dividing actively and renewing themselves, with a complex form of gene expression. The generation of new brain cells in adult individuals was initially considered impossible, however, the landmark discovery of human neural stem cells in the hippocampus has been followed by further discoveries in other discreet regions of the brain. Investigation into the current state in Africa of the research and use of NSCs shows relatively limited activities on the continent. Information on the African application of NSCs for modelling disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and therapeutics is still limited. The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)-African Regional Committee (ARC), with support from the Company of Biologists, and the Movement Disorder Society, sponsored the first African Basic School on NSC in Ibadan, Nigeria, with the vision of bringing together young neuroscientists and physicians across different fields in neuroscience to learn from leaders who have applied NSCs in stem cell research, the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, neuroanatomy, and neurotherapeutics. Twenty early-career researchers in academic institutions at junior and senior faculty cadres were selected from South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria. The students and organizer of the school, who wrote this review on the state of NSCs research in Africa, recommended the following: (1) other African countries can take a cue from South Africa and Nigeria in probing the phenomena of adult neurogenesis in unique animal species on the continent; (2) Africa should leverage the expertise and facilities of South African scientists and international collaborators in scaling up NSC research into these unique species and (3) Centers of Excellence should be established on the continent to serve as research hubs for training postgraduate students, and facilities for African scientists who trained overseas on NSCs.

Stem cell-based combinatorial therapies for spinal cord injury: a narrative review of current research and future directions

“…The regulation of stem cell-based therapies presents an intricate and ever-evolving landscape, demanding a delicate equilibrium between patient accessibility, safety considerations, and treatment efficacy. While first-world countries, exemplified by the United States and the European Union, have established robust oversight mechanisms, developing nations showcase variable degrees of regulatory frameworks 70 – 72 . Governments must diligently update and refine their regulations, aligning them with the rapid strides of scientific progress.…”

Strengthening Brain Research in Africa

“…However, this has led to a significant gap in our understanding of the brain's functionality in non-Western populations, including those within Africa. This gap presents both an opportunity and a necessity for fostering cultur-ally responsive neuroscience, which acknowledges and addresses the varied neurobiological and sociocultural factors impacting brain function and health [1][2][3]. In contemporary times, diverse African nations have witnessed the emergence of numerous undertakings and scholarly endeavors aimed at exploring various facets of neuroscience [2,3].…”

“…This gap presents both an opportunity and a necessity for fostering cultur-ally responsive neuroscience, which acknowledges and addresses the varied neurobiological and sociocultural factors impacting brain function and health [1][2][3]. In contemporary times, diverse African nations have witnessed the emergence of numerous undertakings and scholarly endeavors aimed at exploring various facets of neuroscience [2,3]. The initiatives strive to tackle the unique obstacles and prospects that arise from the African milieu, encompassing heterogeneous genetic lineages including variants such as Apolipoprotein E (APOE), cultural determinants, and healthcare inequalities [4][5][6].…”