Researchers transplanted V2a interneurons obtained from human stem cells into the spinal cords of mice to explore their possible use in spinal cord injury patients.
Highlights:
New
research that developed V2a interneurons from human stem cells and transplanted
them into the spinal cord of mice could provide solutions to people paralyzed
by spinal cord injuries. The research
was published in the Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences.
The spinal cord is an
important connection between the brain and the peripheral nerves. Several
reflexes are mediated at the level of the spinal cord. The ultimate control is
with the brain, which transmits signals through the spinal cord and tells the
peripheral nerves how to react. For example, when the urinary bladder is full,
the brain gives instructions when it is okay to pass urine. - Stem cells have been used to generate nerve cells that can be transplanted into the spinal cord of patients with spinal cord injuries
- Researchers grew special types of neurons called V2a interneurons from human stem cells in the laboratory and transplanted them into the spinal cords of healthy mice
- Further studies could see the use of these interneurons in humans with spinal cord injuries
Spinal Cord Injury - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Spinal cord injury is an injury to the spinal cord that results in temporary or permanent changes in its function.
Spinal cord injury is an injury to the spinal cord that results in temporary or permanent changes in its function.
‘Neurons produced from stem cells provide new hope for paralysis following spinal cord injuries.’
The spinal cord is an
extremely delicate nervous tissue structure that is protected by the vertebral
column. Injuries to the spinal cord
severely disable the patient, who is often left paralyzed and totally dependent
on caregivers. This could be the consequence of road traffic accidents,
falls, violence and sports injuries. Appropriate emergency treatment can reduce
the damage and the long term effects of the injury. Though the existing nerve cells can branch out and restore some function following injury to the nervous tissue, new nerve cells or neurons cannot be formed during one’s lifetime, thus making the chances of complete recovery bleak. Researchers have tried to address this problem by using cells called stem cells. Stem cells are cells that can develop into different types of cells when exposed to specific conditions. Thus, nerve cells can be produced from stem cells to replace damaged nerves. However, in most of the research currently done, it is not possible to reliably produce a particular type of neuronal cells.
Researchers developed special types of neurons called V2a interneurons from human stem cells using special conditions in the laboratory. These neurons transmit signals between the brain and the spinal cord to control movements of the limbs as well as to control breathing. Therefore, if further studies are successful, these neurons could be used to restore movements in patients with paralysis due to damage to the spinal cord as well as other neurological conditions that affect the spinal cord like amyloid lateral sclerosis.
Spinal Cord Injury - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide
A quick and simple First Aid guide on how to administer treatment for Spinal Cord Injury.
A quick and simple First Aid guide on how to administer treatment for Spinal Cord Injury.
This is among the very first steps towards developing V2a interneurons for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The study has to be replicated in mice with spinal cord injuries. If successful and proven safe, the treatment will then be tried out in humans. Thus, though a promising approach, there is still a long way to go before its benefits can be reaped in humans with spinal problems.
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Test Your Knowledge on Spinal Cord Injury
Often a sudden traumatic injury or a non-traumatic condition results in a fracture or dislocation of vertebrae which can further cause spinal cord damage. Vertebral injuries may result in a partial or complete transaction of the spinal cord which has a worse prognosis. Spinal cord injury destroys the axons of the nerve cell which links the spinal cord, brain and the rest of our body. Early and aggressive treatment is required with rehabilitation to increase recovery of the patients.
Spinal cord injury is one of the leading causes of permanent disability and death due to the complications.
Often a sudden traumatic injury or a non-traumatic condition results in a fracture or dislocation of vertebrae which can further cause spinal cord damage. Vertebral injuries may result in a partial or complete transaction of the spinal cord which has a worse prognosis. Spinal cord injury destroys the axons of the nerve cell which links the spinal cord, brain and the rest of our body. Early and aggressive treatment is required with rehabilitation to increase recovery of the patients.
Spinal cord injury is one of the leading causes of permanent disability and death due to the complications.
- Butts JC et al. Differentiation of V2a interneurons from human pluripotent stem cells. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1608254114
Spinal Cord Injury Patients Might One Day Regain Use of Paralyzed Arms and Legs
Patients with spinal cord injuries might regain use of paralyzed limbs with the help of a tiny array of implanted electrodes.
Patients with spinal cord injuries might regain use of paralyzed limbs with the help of a tiny array of implanted electrodes.
