Damaged neural circuits can be regenerated by transplanted stem cells

In an article published in the journal Neural Regeneration Research, Daniel Tornero, a researcher at the Institute of Neuroscience of the Universitat de Barcelona, explained the current state of stem cell therapy for brain damage repair. Specifically, he has analysed the mechanism by which transplanted stem cells are able to regenerate damaged neural circuits through what is called cell replacement.

Daniel Tornero has answered four questions regarding this process:

1. Which level of specificity is reached during circuitry reconstruction?
2. Is the structural organization of the brain preserved in grafted cells?
3. Is neuronal identity already defined in post-mitotic neurons or is it acquired once neurons are connected to the target?
4. To what extent can neuronal replacement contribute to the functional recovery of the animals?

The researcher concludes that the results are promising. They provide supporting evidence that new neurons can replace dead cells after injury (a critical aspect for the optimal and long-term recovery of brain function). “This opens the door to a possible clinical application of such therapeutic strategies to treat brain injuries and some neurodegenerative disorders,” says Daniel Tornero. “Mutual collaboration between basic and clinical research should help to overcome current limitations and future challenges of stem cell-based treatments in clinical practice”.

Reference article

Tornero D. (2022). Neuronal circuitry reconstruction after stem cell therapy in damaged brain. NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH, 17(9), 1959–1960. https://doi.org/10.4103/1673-5374.335145