Researchers are one step closer to repairing nerve cells and treating conditions such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
A new study says that stem cells found in adult skin can function after being transplanted into diseased mice.
“This shows that these stem cells found in adult skin are the real thing. We saw it in the culture dish, but now we know it’s the bona-fide real thing,” said an elated Dr. Freda Miller, senior scientist at Sick Kids hospital.
The research found that these stem cells, called skin-derived precursors or SKPs, can produce nervous system cell types called Schwann cells. These cells in turn make insulation, or myelin, and allow nerve cells to function efficiently. [Toronto Sun]