Research from H. Lee and co-authors reveals new findings on stem cell research
2007 NOV 5 -- "Motoneurons represent a specialized class of neurons essential for the control of body movement. Motoneuron loss is the cause of a wide range of neurological disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal muscular atrophy," researchers in the United States report. "Embryonic stem cells are a promising cell source for the study and potential treatment of motoneuron diseases. Here, we present a novel in vitro protocol of the directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into engraftable motoneurons. Neural induction of hESCs was induced on MS5 stromal feeders, resulting in the formation of neural rosettes. In response to sonic hedgehog and retinoic acid, neural rosettes were efficiently directed into spinal motoneurons with appropriate in vitro morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties. Global gene expression analysis was used as an unbiased measure to confirm motoneuron identity and type. Transplantation of motoneuron progeny into the developing chick embryo resulted in robust engraftment, maintenance of motoneuron phenotype, and long-distance axonal projections into peripheral host tissues. Transplantation into the adult rat spinal cord yielded neural grafts comprising a large number of human motoneurons with outgrowth of choline acetyltransferase positive fibers," wrote H. Lee and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "These data provide evidence for in vivo survival of hESC-derived motoneurons, a key requirement in the development of hESC-based cell therapy in motoneuron disease." Lee and colleagues published their study in Stem Cells (Directed differentiation and transplantation of human embryonic stem cell-derived motoneurons. Stem Cells, 2007;25(8):1931-1939). For additional information, contact L. Studer, Mem Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Development Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, Box 256, New York City, NY 10021, USA. Publisher contact information for the journal Stem Cells is: Alphamed Press, 318 Blackwell St., Ste. 260, Durham, NC 27701-2884, USA. Keywords: United States, Box, Biotechnology, Biotherapy, Cell Therapy, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Medical Device, Treatment. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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