Brain cell reprogramming therapy shows promise for Parkinson's

Conclusion This laboratory and animal study aimed to see whether it is possible to modify a type of cell commonly found in the brain, called glial cells, to become dopamine-producing nerve cells. These dopamine-producing nerve cells are the ones lost in people with Parkinson's disease. If a method could be found to replace these cells, it could potentially be used to treat the condition. Previous research has shown that mouse and human skin cells can be converted to dopamine-producing cells in the laboratory. However, this is the first study to develop a way to convert a different type of cell already in the brain into dopamine-producing nerve cells. It has also shown that this can produce improvements in Parkinson's-like symptoms in a mouse model of the disease. These findings are promising, particularly as the researchers have shown that it is possible to use this technique to modify human cells as well as mouse cells. However, the approach has not yet been tested in people with Parkinson's and it is not possible to know whether the cells would function as expected or whether the change would be long lasting. Even before human studies can be carried out, it is likely that more animal experiments would be needed to ensure the approach is effective and safe in the long-term.  Links To The Headlines New neuron reprogramming technique could hold key to curing Parkinson's disease, say scientists. The Independent, April 11 2017 Brain cell therapy 'promising' for Parkinson's dis...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Medical practice Source Type: news