| Margaret Jules looks at two recent developments: the transforming of pericytes into neurons and deep brain stimulation as examples of scientific research that will possibly let us grow new neurons in our own brains. This work has important implications for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. |
human brain as people may think. Scientists from Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich just used two proteins (without any sort of cell divisions) Munich to carry out an experiment of reprogramming certain type of brain cells (called pericytes) into neurons.
The findings, published in Cell Stem Cell, could have implications for patients with degenerative brain disorders. In fact, the scientists are hoping that neuron reproduction in human brain can help in treating complicated neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Parkinson's.
The experiment was carried out in both the ways, meaning that cells are taken from both the human brain as well mice. The end result was a massive success. This experiment can be implicated for treatment of patients having degenerative brain disorders.
“We are not there yet, but the hope is that we can eventually treat neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s by in situ reprogramming,” said Ludwig-Maximilians’ Benedikt Berninger, lead author on the study.
"This work aims at converting cells that are present throughout the brain but themselves are not nerve cells into neurons," said Berninger.
Earlier, several scientists have tried to transform cells from the skin into neurons using 3-4 proteins. Although the conversion test was performed in vitro, still such type of cells need to be implanted in the brain via surgical procedures. This is a lengthy and critical procedure. The replacement of dying neutrons with newly transformed skin cell neutrons can cause negative scenarios at times.
This is a direct observation of neuronal reprogramming of PDGFR-sorted pericyte-derived cells from the adult human brain by continuous live imaging in culture. Note the change in morphology of a cell coexpressing Sox2 and Mash1 (blue arrow) during reprogramming. Postimaging immunocytochemistry for III-tubulin (white) confirms the neuronal identity of the reprogrammed cell at the end of live imaging.
Video Source: Cell Stem Cell, a Cell Press Journal, Karow et al.
That is why new experiments on transforming cells found in the brain into neutrons started becoming a priority. With the experiment ending on a successful note, it made it possible to induce the transformation in vivo. In fact, this process is better as there is no need of cell transplantation. So, it is less invasive and much safer.
Over 55,000 people are presently receiving Deep Brain Stimulation as treatment for various neurological disorders. Most of the patients are treated for Parkinson's disease. The electrodes activate a specific part of brain that controls the motor function. However, this technique is not expected for promoting the growth of any new neuron. However, this process is effective in treating patients for epilepsy, depression, and several other neurological inabilities. There are conditions when electrodes are placed in circuits that results in promoting the growth of neurons.
There was once an experiment for Deep Brain Stimulation carried out on six patients who were in their early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The experiment prompted another sudden discovery of neurongrowth. A patient was undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation as a treatment to obesity disorder. While undergoing the Stimulation, he started to recall vivid memories. The memory effect was totally different: It was sudden. Many claimed that it happened not due to formation of new neurons in the brain.
SOURCE Margaret Jules
| By Margaret Jules | Subscribe to 33rd Square |
About the author: Margaret is a blogger by profession. She loves writing, reading and travelling. She contributes to Juan Domingo Cordero
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