Authors: Silani V.; Corbo M.

Source: Current Neurovascular Research, Volume 1, Number 3, July 2004 , pp. 283-289(7)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

In the past few years, research on stem cells has expanded greatly as a tool to develop potential therapies to treat incurable neurodegenerative diseases. Stem cell transplantation has been effective in several animal models, but the underlying restorative mechanisms are still unknown. Several mechanisms such as cell fusion, neurotrophic factor release, endogenous stem cell proliferation, and transdifferentiation may explain positive therapeutic results, in addition to replacement of lost cells. The biological issue needs to be clarified in order to maximize the potential for effective therapies. The absence of any effective pharmacological treatment and preliminary data both in experimental and clinical settings has recently identified Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) as an ideal candidate disease for the development of stem cell therapy in humans. Preliminary stem transplantation trials have already been performed in patients. The review discusses relevant topics regarding the application of stem cell research to ALS but in general to other neurodegenerative diseases debating in particular the issue of transdifferentiation, endogenous neural stem cell, and factors influencing the stem cell fate.

Keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; neurodegenerative disease; stem cell; transplantation

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567202043362243

Affiliations: 1: Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, “Dino Ferrari” Center - University of Milan Medical School, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Spagnoletto 3, 20149 Milano, Italy

Publication date: 2004-07-01

More about this publication?

• Current Neurovascular Research (CNR) provides a cross platform for the publication of scientifically rigorous research that addresses disease mechanisms of both neuronal and vascular origins in neuroscience. The journal serves as an international forum for the publication of novel and pioneering original work as well as timely neuroscience research reviews in the disciplines of cell developmental disorders, plasticity, and degeneration that bridge the gap between basic science research and clinical discovery. CNR emphasizes the elucidation of disease mechanisms, both cellular and molecular, which can impact the development of unique therapeutic strategies for neuronal and vascular disorders.

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