Researchers create stem cells from human skin that can be made into nerves

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/...na007000c.html


Keio University researchers have succeeded in creating neural stem cells, which can be made into nerves in a short period of time, directly from human skin cells.
Using the method, it takes only about two weeks to create neural stem cells, while the established method of creating induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and making them into neural stem cells takes about half a year.

The researchers -- Keio University instructor Wado Akamatsu and professor Hideyuki Okano -- announced their research results in the online edition of U.S. magazine Stem Cells on March 28.

In an experiment, the researchers planted four types of genes, which are needed to create iPS cells, into human skin cells, cultivated the cells for seven days, and then changed the cultivation medium for the next three days. As a result, they succeeded in creating neural stem cells in about two weeks

The researchers earlier confirmed that mice that became unable to walk after their spines are deliberately damaged become able to walk again after neural stem cells made from iPS cells are planted in them within a certain period of time.

Since the old method takes half a year to create neural stem cells, it had been believed necessary to set up a cell bank to store iPS cells and neural stem cells made from human cells in advance in order to apply the method to people.

However, if the new method is put into practical use, it will take only two weeks to create neural stem cells, rendering a cell bank unnecessary.

Good Afternoon

My name is Susan van Niekerk and I am 48 and am diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelination Polyneuropathy after having Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
I am very interested in the article entiled "Researchers create stem cells from human skin that can be made into nerves".

At the moment I am under the care of a neurologist in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa and my treatment consists of monthly Polygams and cortisone.
I have been on them for a year and half and my nerve conductivity tests have unfortunately not shown an improvement. I am now having to use an electric wheelchair as I have also developed chronic Bursitis in my hips which makes it extremely painful to even take a step.

I am a very positive person and I am battling to be wheelchair bound and haveing to rely on my family so much. I would do anything to become the vibrant,active wife and mother that I was! My neurologist said the only thing that I could use were Polygams as there was no other treatments. Reading your amazing article has filled me with hope and excitement.

Please would you be so kind as to respond to this plee of help before I lose anymore bodyily functions (an MRI has already shown the muscles attatching to my spine are being replaced by adipose tissue). Please could you reply to me- you would be saving my life!

Yours Gratefully
Susan van Niekerk