Mini Review - Journal of Cell Science and Mutations (2023) Volume 7, Issue 3
Harnessing the potential of neural stem cells for neurological disorders
Payot Laurent*
Department of Neurology, General Hospital Yves Le Foll, Saint-Brieuc, France
- Corresponding Author:
- Payot Laurent
Department of Cardiology
General Hospital Yves Le Foll
Saint-Brieuc, France
E-mail: laurpay@gmail.com
Received: 20-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. AAACSM-23-95744; Editor assigned: 21-Apr-2023, PreQC No. AAACSM-23-95744(PQ); Reviewed: 05-May-2023, QC No.AAACSM-23-95744; Revised: 09-May-2023, Manuscript No. AAACSM-23-95744(R); Published: 16-May-2023, DOI:10.35841/AAACSM-7.3.143
Citation: Laurent P. Harnessing the potential of neural stem cells for neurological disorders. J Cell Sci Mut. 2023;7(3):143
The brain is the most complex organ in the body, consisting of billions of neurons and glial cells that are responsible for processing information and controlling bodily functions. However, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke can disrupt the delicate balance of neural networks, leading to cognitive and motor impairments. While current treatments for these disorders focus on managing symptoms, there is growing interest in using neural stem cells as a potential cure. Neural stem cells are a type of cell found in the brain that has the ability to self-renew and differentiate into different types of neural cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. These cells are essential for brain development and repair and have the potential to regenerate damaged or diseased tissue in the brain. Recent advances in stem cell research have shown that neural stem cells can be generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and used as a potential therapy for neurological disorders [1].
One of the most promising areas of neural stem cell research is the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain. Studies have shown that neural stem cells can be used to replace damaged neurons and restore cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, neural stem cells have been shown to produce neuroprotective factors that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease [2].
Similarly, neural stem cells have also shown potential for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Studies have shown that neural stem cells can be transplanted into the brain and differentiate into dopamineproducing neurons, which can improve motor function in animal models of Parkinson's disease. In addition, neural stem cells have been shown to produce growth factors that can promote the survival of existing dopamine neurons and stimulate the growth of new ones. Neural stem cells also hold promise for the treatment of stroke, a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to the death of brain cells. Neural stem cells have been shown to promote the regeneration of damaged brain tissue and improve functional recovery in animal models of stroke. In addition, neural stem cells have been shown to produce factors that can reduce inflammation and promote the growth of blood vessels, which can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged brain tissue [3].
However, there are still many challenges to overcome before neural stem cell therapy can become a mainstream treatment for neurological disorders. One of the main challenges is developing safe and effective methods for delivering neural stem cells to the brain. In addition, there are concerns about the potential for tumour formation and immune rejection of transplanted cells. Further research is needed to address these challenges and determine the safety and efficacy of neural stem cell therapy for neurological disorders. Another challenge in using neural stem cells for neurological disorders is ensuring their proper differentiation into the desired cell type. Neural stem cells have the ability to differentiate into different neural cell types, but the process of differentiation is complex and requires specific signals and cues from the surrounding environment. In order to use neural stem cells for therapy, researchers must be able to control their differentiation into the desired cell type in a reliable and consistent manner [4].
Another promising area of research is the use of gene editing technologies to enhance the therapeutic potential of neural stem cells. For example, researchers can use CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to introduce specific genetic modifications into neural stem cells that can enhance their survival and differentiation in the brain. This approach could lead to the development of more effective neural stem cell therapies for neurological disorders. Another advantage of neural stem cell therapy is that it can be personalized for each patient. Because neural stem cells can be derived from a patient's own cells, there is less risk of immune rejection and other complications associated with traditional transplant therapies. This personalized approach can also lead to more targeted and effective therapies for individual patients [5].
While the use of neural stem cells for neurological disorders is still in the early stages of development, the potential benefits are enormous. If successful, neural stem cell therapy could revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders and provide hope for millions of people around the world. As research in this area continues to advance, it is important for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to work together to ensure the safe and ethical development of these therapies.
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