Title

Treatment Of Als Utilizing A Stem Cell Strategy

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that results in motoneuron loss, paralysis and ultimately death due to respiratory failure within 3-5 years after disease onset. Currently, there is no effective treatment that exists despite the substantial numbers of approaches that are under investigation. The development of the stem cell field brings promise due to the fact that these cells are self-replenishable and either pluripotent or multipotent and give rise to various cell types. This review will focus on the in vivo applications of these stem cells for ALS treatment. The progress, as well as the advantages and limitations of utilizing each variety of stem cell or their derivatives for ALS treatment, is reviewed in this book chapter. Transplantation of these cells may benefit the diseased tissue by cell replacement therapy or by non-cell replacement functions such as delivery of trophic support. The generation of MNs from stem cells in vitro could enable a significant contribution to cell replacement therapy. However, the need to protect grafted cells highlights the importance of developing an effective trophic therapy. The recent development of induced pluripotent stem cells and the mobilization of endogenous stem cells shed light on the possibility of autologous treatment. However, several challenges need to be overcome to achieve an effective treatment including timing of transplantation, immune system attack, systematic delivery of the cells and their integration, and especially the hostile environment that would exist in a individual with ALS disease.

Publication Date

4-1-2014

Publication Title

Motor Neuron Diseases: Causes, Classification and Treatments

Number of Pages

103-123

Document Type

Article; Book Chapter

Personal Identifier

scopus

Socpus ID

84947564974 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84947564974

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS