http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/D...-of.4910642.jp

Durham boffins on brink of stem cell breakthrough

North East scientists claim they are on the brink of a breakthrough in the use of new stem cell technology to repair damaged brain cells.
Experts at Durham University have worked for five years on the pioneering process which could be used to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer or to help stroke victims.

The work involves the creation of nerve cells which can then be used
to repair damaged parts of the body.

Dr Stefan Przyborski said the university was at the forefront of the development of such technology.

As well as playing a key role in the fight against some of the more common and debilitating diseases, the technology could also provide a boost for the North East economy.

The region has become world renowned for its work in the sector and many new businesses have emerged to support the research that is underway.

Pharmaceutical companies are keen to use the technology to test new drugs, making the research potentially very profitable.

The work could bring any number of benefits, say scientists behind the research being carried out in Durham.

Dr Przyborski said: "When someone suffers a stroke or from Parkinson's disease their brain cells die. The question is how do you get them to grow back?

"We have developed technology whereby stem cells can be stimulated to become nerve cells. Consequently these nerve cells could be used to develop new drugs to treat such diseases, or ultimately to replace the damaged tissue."

His colleague, Dr Todd Marder, said: "We are at the forefront of development – what we have produced is more robust than anything else around.

"We use the most modern methods in the world to make the chemical compounds which cause the stem cells to transform.

"It can not only benefit the North East economy, but more importantly it could be an important step towards delivering on the promise of stem cell technology.

"This is a long term project. We have been at it for five years now and we have made tremendous progress. We are now ready to start marketing our first products."