06/04/2015
Researchers have discovered a way to generate new human neurons from another type of adult cell found in our brains, a find which could aid treatment of neuro degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
In a study published
in the journal Cell Stem Cell, researchers aimed at converting a type of cells already present in the brain to neurons.
The cells that made the leap from one identity to another are known as pericytes. Those cells, found in close association with the blood vessels, are important for keeping the blood-brain barrier intact and have been shown to participate in wound healing in other parts of the body
Further testing showed that those newly converted neurons could produce electrical signals and reach out to other neurons, providing evidence that the converted cells could integrate into neural networks.
'Researchers have discovered a way to generate new human neurons from another type of adult cell found in our brains, a find which could aid treatment of neuro degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
In a study published
in the journal Cell Stem Cell, researchers aimed at converting a type of cells already present in the brain to neurons.
The cells that made the leap from one identity to another are known as pericytes. Those cells, found in close association with the blood vessels, are important for keeping the blood-brain barrier intact and have been shown to participate in wound healing in other parts of the body
Further testing showed that those newly converted neurons could produce electrical signals and reach out to other neurons, providing evidence that the converted cells could integrate into neural networks.'