Stem Cells Found In Adult Skin Can Be Transplanted And Function In Mouse Models Of Disease

Source: University of Toronto
Posted: June 14, 2006

Summary:

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the University of Calgary have found that stem cells derived from adult skin (called (called skin-derived precursors, or SKPs) can become neural cell types that can be transplanted into and function in mouse models of disease. This research is reported in the June 14, 2006 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.

Researchers discovered that SKPs can efficiently generate a type of glial cell, called Schwann cells, that can myelinate demyelinated axons (part of a neuron), and that have been shown to provide a good growth environment for injured central nervous system axons. These types of axons normally do not regenerate.

Commentary: Hopefully these findings can be translated into effective treatments for spinal cord injury, stroke and other central nervous system disorders in humans.