Neurons from embryonic stem cells are ready for transplantation
An effective technique for obtaining nerve cells has been developedDmitry Safin, "Kompyulenta"
Scientists from the Burnham Institute of Medical Research (USA) have demonstrated a method for the rapid transformation of human embryonic stem cells into committed neural precursor cells (C-NPCs), suitable for transplantation.
According to the authors, the new technique ensures the stability of differentiation results and avoids unwanted mutations.
"There are many ways to produce neural progenitor cells that are effective only in laboratory conditions," says the study's lead author Alexey Terskikh. "And our method is quite suitable for clinical use: it is manageable, reliable and guarantees reproducibility of results." As Mr. Terskikh notes, some techniques rely on multiple cell passivation (transfer), which can lead to mutations or cause the expression of oncogenes, while the technology developed by his group lacks this drawback.
To create committed neural progenitor cells, the authors cultured small clusters of stem cells placed in a liquid suspension; after a while, the researchers noted the formation of "rosettes" characteristic of neuroepithelial cells (the picture shows the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into astroglial cells 12 days after the start of the experiment).
After that, the scientists moved on to work with monolayers of cell cultures. The production of neural progenitor cells was confirmed by the data of immunochemical analysis and genome research.
During the subsequent transplantation of the created C-NPCs to newborn mice, the cells turned into active neurons and successfully integrated into the structures of the cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb of animals. The formation of tumors was not recorded at the same time.
The full version of the scientists' report will be published in the journal Cell Death and Differentiation.
Prepared based on EurekAlert materials!Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru