Neurons Derived From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Muscle Function

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Neurons Derived From Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Muscle Function

After Injury

20 Nov 2008

Dalhousie Medical School researchers have discovered that embryonic

stem cells may play a critical role in helping people with nerve

damage and motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral

sclerosis (ALS), regain muscular strength.

Motor neurons reside in the spinal cord and control limb movements by

enabling muscles to contract. Diseases like ALS cause them to

degenerate, resulting in muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventual

paralysis.

" This study builds on a series of studies in which we demonstrated

that motor neurons can be generated from mouse embryonic stem cells, "

says Dr. Victor Rafuse, associate professor of anatomy &

neurobiology. " It's very exciting that these neurons can be used for

transplantation to prevent degeneration of muscle. "

The research team used embryonic stem cells from mice to grow motor

neurons in the laboratory. They then transplanted the neurons into

mouse nerves that were separated from the spinal cord. After

separation, it would be expected that the nerves and muscles they

control die. However, the Dalhousie group was the first in the world

to find that the muscles not only were preserved by the

transplantation, but they could produce about half their normal force

to contract.

" This opens the door for a variety of different treatments, " says Dr.

Rob Brownstone, professor of surgery and anatomy &

neurobiology. " We've learned that muscles are preserved by stem

cells; now we're studying how this method can be applied to humans so

that we can better treat people with nerve injuries and paralysis.

Additionally, we're looking at combining stem cell treatment with

electrically-stimulated implants, which could stimulate nerves to

produce movement. "

The study, which was also authored by graduate student Damien Yohn

and former post-doctoral fellow Gareth Miles, was funded by New York-

based Project A.L.S. It was published in today's edition of Journal

of Neuroscience.

Dalhousie University

Rm. 218, 2nd Fl., Henry Hicks Academic Admin. Bldg.

Halifax

B3H 3J5

Canada

http://www.dal.ca

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Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/130089.php