“Reprogrammed” Stem Cells Successfully Treat Parkinson Disease in Rats

Induced pluripotent stem cells transformed chemically into dopaminergic neurons hold promise as a treatment for this movement disorder.

In 2007, adult human cells were “reprogrammed” by genetic manipulation into cells with the potential of embryonic stem cells — a landmark event in the history of stem cell biology (Journal Watch Top Story Dec 28 2007). Similarly reprogrammed cells from mice are capable of curing sickle cell anemia in mice (Journal Watch Dec 13 2007).

Reprogramming stem cells to combat a specific disease now has been achieved in a rat model of Parkinson disease (PD). First, the research team caused a PD-like condition by using a toxin that kills dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Then, the investigators reprogrammed adult fibroblasts from these rats to become induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, caused these iPS cells to multiply in cell culture, used che…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate