Scientists produce functioning neurons from embryonic stem cells
Scientists produce functioning neurons from
embryonic stem cells
Scientists with the Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at UCLA were able to produce from human embryonic stem cells a highly pure, large quantity of functioning neurons that will allow them to create models of and study diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, prefrontal dementia and schizophrenia.
Researchers previously had been able to produce neurons - the impulse-conducting cells in the brain and spinal cord - from human embryonic stem cells. However, the percentage of neurons in the cell culture was not high and the neurons were difficult to isolate from the other cells.
“Previously, the system to grow and isolate neurons was very messy and it was unknown whether those neurons were functioning,” Yi Sun said. “We’re excited because we have been able to purify so many more neurons out of the cell culture and they were, surprisingly, healthy enough to form synapses. These cells will be excellent for doing gene expression studies and biochemical and protein analyses.”
Another significant step forward. Imagine what might be achieved if ethically proportionate sums were dedicated to medical research instead of _________. You fill in the blank.
Posted: Fri - August 10, 2007 at 12:13 PM