Studies from Harvard University further understanding of spinal muscular atrophy therapy
2007 NOV 12 -- Scientists discuss in 'Cell therapy and stem cells in animal models of motor neuron disorders' new findings in spinal muscular atrophy. "Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (or Kennedy's disease), spinal muscular atrophy and spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress 1 are neurodegenerative disorders mainly affecting motor neurons and which currently lack effective therapies. Recent studies in animal models as well as primary and embryonic stem cell models of ALS, utilizing over-expression of mutated forms of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1, have shown that motor neuron degeneration in these models is in part a non cell-autonomous event and that by providing genetically non-compromised supporting cells such as microglia or growth factor-excreting cells, onset can be delayed and survival increased," researchers in the United States report. "Using models of acute motor neuron injury it has been shown that embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons implanted into the spinal cord can innervate muscle targets and improve functional recovery. Thus, a rationale exists for the development of cell therapies in motor neuron diseases aimed at either protecting and/or replacing lost motor neurons, interneurons as well as non-neuronal cells," wrote E. Hedlund and colleagues, Harvard University. The researchers concluded: "This review evaluates approaches used in animal models of motor neuron disorders and their therapeutic relevance." Hedlund and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Neuroscience (Cell therapy and stem cells in animal models of motor neuron disorders. European Journal of Neuroscience, 2007;26(7):1721-37). For additional information, contact E. Hedlund, McLean Hospital, Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Center for Neuroregeneration Research, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478 USA.. Publisher contact information for the European Journal of Neuroscience is: Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DG, Oxon, England. Keywords: United States, Belmont, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Therapy, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Biotechnology, Biotherapy, Cell Therapy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Kennedy Disease, Medical Device, Mental Health, Motor Neuron Disease, Neurodegenerative, Neurology, Neuron Degeneration, Neuroscience, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Treatment, X-Linked Spinal-Bulbar Muscular Atrophy. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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