Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 2 January 2019

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Scientists at the University of Edinburgh, UK, have created stem cells that they say are resistant to developing Parkinson’s.

The study – published in science journal ‘European Journal of Neuroscience’ – used gene editing techniques to remove the alpha-synuclein protein from the stem cells. To test the resistance of the new stem cells, researchers treated both edited and unedited stem cells with a chemical agent that induced Lewy bodies – abnormal proteins that lead to neurodegeneration.

The results showed that the gene-edited cells did not develop signs of Parkinson’s, whereas the unedited cells did.

Dr Tilo Kunath – who led the study – said: “We know that Parkinson’s disease spreads from neuron-neuron, invading healthy cells. This could essentially put a shelf life on the potential of cell replacement therapy. Our exciting discovery has the potential to considerably improve these emerging treatments.”

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For more information on Parkinson’s and stem cell therapy please visit the EPDA website.

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Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 2 January 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Dear Parkinson’s, here are my 8 wishes for 2016 (from Twitchy Woman)

Global update

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Special reports

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Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 2 January 2019

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Perspectives

Dear Parkinson’s, here are my 8 wishes for 2016 (from Twitchy Woman)

Global update

Climbing Machu Picchu to conquer Parkinson’s

Special reports

Regular sex improves Parkinson’s symptoms for men, study finds

Wearable device for Parkinson’s disease raises $10m in funding

Does Parkinson’s disease start in the nose?

Study finds gene therapy may restore effects of Parkinson’s drug

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