Stem Cell Applications in Regenerative Medicine for Neurological Disorders

Abstract

Stem cells are capable of self-renewal and differentiation into a wide range of cell types with multiple clinical and therapeutic applications. Stem cells are providing hope for many diseases that currently lack effective therapeutic methods, including stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Embryonic stem (ES) cells were originally targeted for differentiation into functional dopamine neurons for cell therapy. Today, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are being tested for such purposes as generating functional dopamine neurons and treating a rat model of Parkinson's disease. In addition, neural stem cell and mesenchymal stem cells are also being used in neurodegenerative disorder therapies for stroke and Parkinson's disease. Although stem cell therapy is still in its infancy, it will likely become a powerful tool for many diseases that currently do not have effective therapeutic approaches. In this article, we discuss current research on the potential application of neural stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, ES cells, and iPS cells to neurodegenerative disorders.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Isolated from Multiple Sclerosis Patients have Distinct Gene Expression Profile and Decreased Suppressive Function Compared with Healthy Counterparts

“…Bone marrow MSCs have been considered an important source for autologous cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, particularly due to their immunosuppressive properties (15,31,40,51). The ability of MSCs to modulate the immune response suggests a possible role of these cells in tolerance induction in patients with autoimmune diseases and supports the rationale for MSC application in the treatment of MS patients (3,11,16).…”

Neural commitment of human pluripotent stem cells under defined conditions recapitulates neural development and generates patient‐specific neural cells

“…The Tryggvason's group has been able to produce recombinant laminins and evaluate their specific role in several biological functions [47], but the exact isoforms involved in neural differentiation remain unknown. However, potential future therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders might implicate the use of progenitors [48], since mature cells are less capable of establishing the adequate connections without being continuously exposed to the combination of growth factor and signaling molecules that orientate synaptogenesis and neuronal wiring. Obtaining NPs in xeno-free conditions can be a relevant first step to establish a safe approach for future transplant based therapies.…”

Stably BDNF-GFP expressing embryonic stem cells exhibit a BDNF release-dependent enhancement of neuronal differentiation

“…Differentiation of ESCs into neurons and the functional integration into neuronal circuits upon grafting have been studied extensively in order to provide a replacement for degenerating neurons in the treatment of neurological disorders (reviewed by Liu et al, 2013). Moreover, stem cells genetically engineered to produce, for example, neurotrophins, which are then differentiated into neurons, can be used to deliver growth factors into a degenerating brain area to overcome cell death of grafted cells and to possibly enhance integration into the existing niches.…”