May 13, 2013
MODIFIED
adult stem cells may hold the key to a new treatment for multiple sclerosis,
according to University of Adelaide researchers, speaking during ‘Kiss Goodbye
to MS’ month.
adult stem cells may hold the key to a new treatment for multiple sclerosis,
according to University of Adelaide researchers, speaking during ‘Kiss Goodbye
to MS’ month.
The
researchers have started a three-year research project using adult stem cells
from fat tissue to send cells with special anti-inflammatory properties
directly to the damaged site in the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple
sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal
cord.
researchers have started a three-year research project using adult stem cells
from fat tissue to send cells with special anti-inflammatory properties
directly to the damaged site in the central nervous system (CNS). Multiple
sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal
cord.
To
control the disease, effective treatments need to control the immune response
and repair the damage caused to the fatty myelin sheaths which protect the
nerves. “With previous work, we’ve already shown that adult stem cells have
great potential to both control the immune response and promote repair of the
central nervous system.”It also prevents further damage,” Professor Shaun
McColl, director of the Centre for Molecular Pathology,” said. “But the
trick is getting the stem cells to the right location where they can perform
this function.”When stem cells are injected into the blood system, very few
cross the blood/brain barrier into the CNS. The researchers are
manipulating adult stem cells from fat tissue (adipose-derived mesenchymal stem
cells) so more enter the CNS.
control the disease, effective treatments need to control the immune response
and repair the damage caused to the fatty myelin sheaths which protect the
nerves. “With previous work, we’ve already shown that adult stem cells have
great potential to both control the immune response and promote repair of the
central nervous system.”It also prevents further damage,” Professor Shaun
McColl, director of the Centre for Molecular Pathology,” said. “But the
trick is getting the stem cells to the right location where they can perform
this function.”When stem cells are injected into the blood system, very few
cross the blood/brain barrier into the CNS. The researchers are
manipulating adult stem cells from fat tissue (adipose-derived mesenchymal stem
cells) so more enter the CNS.
“This
project is about targeting the stem cells to the site of inflammation and
damage so they can better control the immune response and repair the myelin,”
lead investigator Dr Iain Comerford said.
project is about targeting the stem cells to the site of inflammation and
damage so they can better control the immune response and repair the myelin,”
lead investigator Dr Iain Comerford said.
“It
involves promoting stem cell migration to the central nervous system by
manipulating receptors on the surface of the stem cells that control cell
movement.
involves promoting stem cell migration to the central nervous system by
manipulating receptors on the surface of the stem cells that control cell
movement.
“We’re
also modifying the stem cells to suppress the immune response by introducing
molecules that regulate inflammation,” Dr Comerford said.
also modifying the stem cells to suppress the immune response by introducing
molecules that regulate inflammation,” Dr Comerford said.
“By
the end of three years we aim to show that we can successfully modify stem
cells to more effectively reach the central nervous system, and that we can use
these cells to inhibit inflammation.
the end of three years we aim to show that we can successfully modify stem
cells to more effectively reach the central nervous system, and that we can use
these cells to inhibit inflammation.
..
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