Promoters for the development of neurons from stem cells

2002/11/11 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Anatomia/Fisiologia
• Medikuntza

In fact, from stem cells, neurons can be obtained, which if placed in an appropriate place can replace those affected. The problem is that only some stem cells give neurons, most become other cells that work as a support.

Now, at the University of Texas in the United States, they find the way that stem cells give neurons. After testing with the molecules involved in the development of neurons, researchers have found that three proteins are essential. In cell cultures, the combination of stem cells extracted from human fetuses with this mixture of proteins has shown that only neurons develop.

They have also been tested with healthy mice: the stem cells treated with a mixture of proteins, once implanted in the brain or spinal cord, are always neurons. On the contrary, the application of untreated stem cells allows to obtain very few neurons.

It remains to be seen whether neurons produce direct links and whether there is a risk of developing tumors. In addition, for use in humans, numerous investigations will be necessary. However, it seems that much progress has been made with this research.