Neural Stem Cell Transplantation for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are disabling and fatal neurological disorders that currently lack effective treatment. Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has been studied as a potential therapeutic approach and appears to exert a beneficial effect against neurodegeneration via different mechanisms, such as the production of neurotrophic factors, decreased neuroinflammation, enhanced neuronal plasticity and cell replacement. Thus, NSC transplantation may represent an effective therapeutic strategy. To exploit NSCs’ potential, some of their essential biological characteristics must be thoroughly investigated, including the specific markers for NSC subpopulations, to allow profiling and selection. Another key feature is their secretome, which is responsible for the regulation of intercellular communication, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. In addition, NSCs must properly migrate into the central nervous system (CNS) and integrate into host neuronal circuits, enhancing neuroplasticity. Understanding and modulating these aspects can allow us to further exploit the therapeutic potential of NSCs. Recent progress in gene editing and cellular engineering techniques has opened up the possibility of modifying NSCs to express select candidate molecules to further enhance their therapeutic effects. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding these aspects, promoting the development of stem cell therapies that could be applied safely and effectively in clinical settings.

The Hyperoxic-Hypoxic Paradox

“…There are also more targeted subgroups of SCs that include neuronal stem cells (NSC) that persist in restricted regions in the adult brain and continue to produce neurons throughout the person’s life. NSCs can generate nerve cells and their supporting cells, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes [ 46 ]. In addition to their differentiation capacity, SCs have multipotent properties that include anti-inflammatory effects that make them potential therapeutic candidates for a variety of disorders [ 47 ].…”

Proteomic Characterization of Human Neural Stem Cells and Their Secretome During in vitro Differentiation

“…The transplanted cells are expected to influence local microenvironment, reduce cellular stress in situ , promote cell survival, modulate inflammation, enhance remyelination, and maintain neuronal circuits (de Gioia et al, 2020 ; Fischer et al, 2020 ; Ottoboni et al, 2020 ). Some of these effects are mediated by a direct cell-to-cell contact, others by release of simple metabolites.…”

Eudesmane and Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes from the Fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla with Protective Effects against Oxidative Stress in Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

“…In the present study, we successfully proved the protective effects of 13 isolated sesquiterpenes on the viability of ADMSCs exposed to tBHP-induced oxidative stress. In neurodegenerative diseases, neuronal stem cells experience a high level of oxidative stress, which impairs their regenerative capacity [ 33 ]. Although we could not isolate neuronal stem cells for the test, our results provide clear evidence for the prevention of oxidative stress in ADMSCs using several potent isolated sesquiterpenes.…”