Researchers Turn Skin Cells into Brain Cells, A Promising Path To Better Parkinson's Treatment

Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Date: July 17, 2012

Summary:

Using adult stem cells, Johns Hopkins researchers and a consortium of colleagues nationwide say they have generated the type of human neuron specifically damaged by Parkinson’s disease (PD) and used various drugs to stop the damage. Their experiments on cells in the laboratory, reported in the July 4 issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine, could speed the search for new drugs to treat the incurable neurodegenerative disease, but also, they say, may lead them back to better ways of using medications that previously failed in clinical trials.

StemCells, Inc's Milestone Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease Clinical Trial Shows Evidence of Myelination Following Human Neural Stem Cell Transplantation

Source: StemCells, Inc.
Date: April 2, 2012

Summary:

NEWARK, Calif. -- StemCells, Inc. today announced preliminary evidence of progressive and durable donor-cell derived myelination in all four patients who underwent transplantation with the Company's proprietary HuCNS-SC® cells (purified human neural stem cells) in its clinical trial for Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD), a rare hypo-myelination disorder in children. In addition, clinical assessment revealed small but measureable gains in motor and/or cognitive function in three of the four patients; the fourth patient remained clinically stable. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Here's a link to a conference call held by Stem Cells, Inc. today discussing the results of the trial.

Encouraging Results With Stem Cell Transplant for Brain Injury

Source: Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Date: February 1, 2012

Summary:

Experiments in brain-injured rats show that stem cells injected via the carotid artery travel directly to the brain, where they greatly enhance functional recovery, reports a study in the February issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

Researchers evaluated a new "intra-arterial" technique of stem cell transplantation in rats. Within seven days after induced TBI, stem cells created from the rats' bone marrow were injected into the carotid artery. The goal was to deliver the stem cells directly to the brain, without having them travel through the general circulation.

Before injection, the stem cells were labeled with "quantum dots" -- a biocompatible, fluorescent semiconductor created using nanotechnology. The quantum dots emit near-infrared light, with much longer wavelengths that penetrate bone and skin. This allowed the researchers to noninvasively monitor the stem cells for four weeks after transplantation.
Using this in vivo optical imaging technique, Dr Osanai and colleagues were able to see that the injected stem cells entered the brain on the "first pass," without entering the general circulation. Within three hours, the stem cells began to migrate from the smallest brain blood vessels (capillaries) into the area of brain injury.

After four weeks, rats treated with stem cells had significant recovery of motor function (movement), while untreated rats had no recovery. Examination of the treated brains confirmed that the stem cells had transformed into different types of brain cells and participated in healing of the injured brain area.

New Evidence for Spinal Membrane as a Source of Stem Cells May Advance Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries

Source: Wiley-Blackwell
Date: October 31, 2011

Summary:

Durham, NC – Italian and Spanish scientists studying the use of stem cells for treating spinal cord injuries have provided the first evidence to show that meninges, the membrane which envelops the central nervous system, is a potential source of self-renewing stem cells. The research, published in STEM CELLS, develops the understanding of cell activation in central nervous system injuries; advancing research into new treatments for spinal injuries and degenerative brain disorders.

Discoveries offer first new hope in three decades for lethal pediatric brain tumor

Source: Stanford University Medical Center
Date: February 28, 2011

Summary:

A pediatric brain tumor that causes gruesome suffering is finally yielding its secrets. For the first time, scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have cultured human cells from this cancer, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, and used those cells to create an animal model of the disease. Their discoveries will facilitate research on new treatments for DIPG, a tumor of school-aged children that is now almost universally fatal. The study is published online Feb. 28 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

StemCells, Inc. Completes Dosing in Second Trial of HuCNS-SC(R) Neural Stem Cells

Source: StemCells, Inc.
Date: February 17, 2011

Summary:

StemCells, Inc. today announced that the fourth and final patient in its Phase I clinical trial in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD) has been transplanted with the Company's HuCNS-SC(R) cells (purified human neural stem cells). PMD is a fatal myelination disorder that afflicts male children. This clinical trial, which is being conducted in collaboration with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, is the first to evaluate neural stem cells as a potential treatment for a myelination disorder. Results of the trial will be reported in early 2012.

Researchers pinpoint origin of deadly brain tumor

Source: University of Rochester Medical Center
Date: January 7, 2011

Summary:

Scientists at University of Rochester Medical Center have identified the type of cell that is at the origin of brain tumors known as oligodendrogliomas, which are a type of glioma – a category that defines the most common type of malignant brain tumor. In a paper published in the December 2010 issue of the journal Cancer Cell, investigators found that the tumor originates in and spreads through cells known as glial progenitor cells – cells that are often referred to as "daughter" cells of stem cells. The work comes at a time when many researchers are actively investigating the role that stem cells which have gone awry play in causing cancer. For scientists trying to create new ways to treat brain tumors, knowing whether stem cells or progenitor cells are part of the process is crucial.

In a paper published in the December 2010 issue of the journal Cancer Cell, investigators found that the tumor originates in and spreads through cells known as glial progenitor cells – cells that are often referred to as "daughter" cells of stem cells. The work comes at a time when many researchers are actively investigating the role that stem cells which have gone awry play in causing cancer. For scientists trying to create new ways to treat brain tumors, knowing whether stem cells or progenitor cells are part of the process is crucial.

StemCells, Inc. Advances To Second Clinical Trial In Batten Disease

Source: StemCells, Inc.
Date: October 28, 2010

Summary:

PALO ALTO, Calif., – StemCells, Inc. announced today that it has initiated a second clinical trial of its HuCNS-SC ® product candidate (purified human neural stem cells) in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL, also often referred to as Batten disease), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder in children. The trial is designed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of the cells in patients with either infantile or late infantile NCL. The trial will enroll six patients with less advanced stages of the disease than those who participated in the Company’s first NCL trial. Like the first NCL trial, this second trial is being conducted at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, a leading medical center with nationally recognized programs in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery.

StemCells, Inc. Reports Progress in Myelination Disorder Trial

Source: StemCells, Inc.
Posted: October 7, 2010 9:00 a.m. EDT

Summary:

PALO ALTO, Calif., – StemCells, Inc. today provided an update on its ongoing Phase I clinical trial in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease ( PMD), a fatal myelination disorder that afflicts male children. Two of four planned patients for this trial have now been enrolled and transplanted with the Company’s HuCNS-SC ® human neural stem cells. The Company anticipates enrolling a third patient before year-end and the fourth shortly thereafter. This clinical trial is the first to evaluate purified neural stem cells as a potential treatment for a myelination disorder. The trial is being conducted at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

Stem cell first: Creating induced pluripotent stem cells

Source: University of New South Wales
Date: August 23, 2010

Summary:

In a world first, Australian researchers have created induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from human skin without the use of viruses or genetic manipulation, an important step toward their eventual use in treating human disease. The University of New South Wales breakthrough means work can now progress on the use of iPS cells to generate brain cells for the study and eventual treatment of degenerative brain diseases.

“By successfully creating iPS cells without resorting to viruses or genetic manipulation we have removed a major hurdle to their therapeutic use,” said UNSW’s Stem Cell Lab Director, Associate Professor Kuldip Sidhu. The lab is now working closely with Scientia Professor Perminder Sachdev from UNSW’s School of Psychiatry to produce Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s stem cell lines. A paper outlining the breakthrough appears this month in the prestigious journal PLoS One.

StemCells, Inc. Plans to Advance to Second Clinical Trial in Batten Disease

Source: StemCells, Inc.
Date: April 21, 2010

Summary:

In an official company news release, Stem Cells, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced plans to advance to a second clinical trial using purified human neural stem cells to treat Batten disease:

StemCells, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, announced today that it has submitted a protocol to the FDA for initiation of a second clinical trial of its proprietary HuCNS-SC® human neural stem cells in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), which is also often referred to as Batten disease. NCL is a genetic disorder characterized by the absence of a critical enzyme, which leads to the loss of neurons and the eventual death of the patient. The Company completed a Phase I clinical trial in NCL in January 2009 and reported the results to the FDA in September 2009.

The proposed new trial is designed to further assess the safety of HuCNS-SC cells in NCL, while also examining the ability of the cells to affect the progression of the disease. The Company plans to enroll six patients with infantile and late infantile NCL. Because intervention prior to the final stages of the disease will likely be key to providing a therapeutic benefit, the Company plans to enroll patients with less brain atrophy than those enrolled in its first trial. Under the proposed protocol, all patients would be transplanted with HuCNS-SC cells and immunosuppressed for nine months. The patients would also be evaluated and assessed at regular intervals over the course of 12 months following transplantation. As the Company intends to follow the effects of this therapy long-term, a separate four-year observational study would be initiated at the conclusion of this trial. Upon FDA authorization of the trial protocol, the Company will proceed with site selection and seek the necessary Institutional Review Board approval to initiate the trial.

StemCells, Inc. Announces First Human Neural Stem Cell Transplant in Landmark Myelination Disorder Trial

Source: StemCells, Inc.
Date: February 10, 2010

Summary:

In an official company news release, Stem Cells, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced that human neural stem cells have been used to treat Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease ( PMD), a pediatric neurological disorder:

StemCells, Inc. announced today that its proprietary HuCNS-SC(R) human neural stem cells have been used to treat the first patient enrolled in its Phase I clinical trial in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD), a myelination disorder that afflicts male children. ...Myelin is the substance that surrounds and insulates nerve cells' communications fibers (also known as axons). Without sufficient myelination, these fibers are unable to properly transmit nerve impulses, leading to a progressive loss of neurological function. Multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis and certain types of cerebral palsy are more commonly known myelination disorders that also affect the central nervous system.

Stem Cells Become Functioning Neurons in Mice

Source: HealthDay News
Date: January. 19, 2010

Summary:

HealthDay News reports researchers have enabled neurons grown from embryonic stem cells to form propper connections in mice:

Transplanted neurons grown from embryonic stem cells were able to form proper brain connections in newborn mice, U.S. scientists report. Researchers from Stanford Medical School say their study was the first to show that stem cells can be directed to become specific brain cells and to link correctly in the brain. The findings, they say, could help in efforts to develop new treatments for spinal cord injuries and nervous system diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease.

New discovery about the formation of new brain cells

Source: University of Gothenburg
Date: November 23, 2009

Summary:

The generation of new nerve cells in the brain is regulated by a peptide known as C3a, which directly affects the stem cells' maturation into nerve cells and is also important for the migration of new nerve cells through the brain tissue, reveals new research from the Sahlgrenska Academy published in the journal Stem Cells. Although the research has been carried out using mice and cultured cells, it could lead to a new medicine for human beings, which could be given to patients who have had a stroke or other disorders that damage or destroy the nerve cells.

StemCells, Inc. Initiates Landmark Trial Targeting "Communication Highway" of the Brain

Source: StemCells, Inc.
Date: November 23, 2009


In an official company news release, Stem Cells, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced commencement of patient recruitment for a clinical trial to test the safety of human neural stem cells in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease ( PMD), a pediatric neurological disorder:

StemCells, Inc. announced today that it has commenced patient recruitment for a Phase I clinical trial designed to test the safety and preliminary efficacy of its HuCNS-SC® purified human neural stem cells in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease ( PMD), a neurological disorder that primarily afflicts children. The study is being conducted at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Children’s Hospital, one of the leading medical centers in the United States for neonatology, pediatric neurology and neurosurgery.

Here is a video featuring Stem Cells, Inc. CEO Martin McGlynn that explains the trial in greater detail.

Researchers find potential treatment for Huntington's disease

Source: Burnham Institute for Medical Research
Date: November 15, 2009

Summary:

Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research, the University of British Columbia's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and the University of California, San Diego have found that normal synaptic activity in nerve cells (the electrical activity in the brain that allows nerve cells to communicate with one another) protects the brain from the misfolded proteins associated with Huntington's disease.

In contrast, excessive extrasynaptic activity (aberrant electrical activity in the brain, usually not associated with communication between nerve cells) enhances the misfolded proteins' deadly effects. Researchers also found that the drug Memantine, which is approved to treat Alzheimer's disease, successfully treated Huntington's disease in a mouse model by preserving normal synaptic electrical activity and suppressing excessive extrasynaptic electrical activity. The research was published in the journal Nature Medicine on November 15.

Mouse Gene Suppresses Alzheimer’s Plaques and Tangles

Source: Burnham Institute for Medical Research
Date: November 11, 2009

Summary:

Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham) and colleagues have identified a novel mouse gene (Rps23r1) that reduces the accumulation of two toxic proteins that are major players in Alzheimer’s disease: amyloid beta and tau. The amyloid and tau lowering functions of this gene were demonstrated in both human and mouse cells. Amyloid beta is responsible for the plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Tau causes the tangles found within patients’ brain cells. The study was published in the journal Neuron on November 12. These findings could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers discover new source of brain cells. Discovery could speed progress on stem cell treatments of brain disorders

Source: University of California - Davis
Date: November 9, 2009

Summary:

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — Twenty-six years after scientists first suspected their existence, UC Davis researchers provide definitive evidence that certain neural progenitor cells, which can be identified by their expression of a myelin gene promoter, are present throughout the adult brain and spinal cord, and that these cells are capable of differentiating into neurons.

Using genetic fate mapping — a technique for detailing the developmental path of cells — Pleasure and his team found that cells known as PPEPs (pronounced pee-peps) differentiate into the three main types of neural cells: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons. Neurons are the main cells of the brain, responsible for communicating with each other and responding to stimuli. The other two cell types — known as glial cells — play supporting roles in brain functions.

The findings, reported in June 2009 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, open up a new way of thinking about using multipotent progenitor cells to treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, such as Huntington’s disease and traumatic brain injury. Now the UC Davis team and other stem cell scientists have a new class of endogenous neural progenitor cells with which to work.

First stem cell clinical trial for treating brain’s “communication highway” to begin

Source: University of California - San Francisco
Date: September 10, 2009

Summary:

UCSF researchers are set to begin a Phase I clinical trial in collaboration with StemCells, Inc. to test the safety and preliminary effectiveness of using neural stem cells to treat children with a rare, fatal form of a brain disorder known as Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD). Currently, there are no effective treatments for the fatal forms of the disease, which affects males that inherit a single defective gene.

The trial is the first neural stem cell trial in the United States designed to treat a disease resulting from a lack of “myelin,” a substance that insulates nerve cells’ communications fibers. Nerve cells communicate through axons that function much like electrical wires. Myelin is the insulating coat that surrounds the axons to prevent short circuits. Damage to the cells in the brain that make myelin, called “oligodendrocytes,” is the hallmark of multiple sclerosis and is involved in certain forms of cerebral palsy.

Neural stem cells offer potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Source: University of California - Irvine
Date: July 21, 2009

Summary:

UC Irvine scientists have shown for the first time that neural stem cells can rescue memory in mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease, raising hopes of a potential treatment for the leading cause of elderly dementia that afflicts 5.3 million people in the U.S.
Mice genetically engineered to have Alzheimer's performed markedly better on memory tests a month after mouse neural stem cells were injected into their brains. The stem cells secreted a protein that created more neural connections, improving cognitive function.
"Essentially, the cells were producing fertilizer for the brain," said Frank LaFerla, director of UCI's Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, or UCI MIND, and co-author of the study, which appears online the week of July 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.