World-first Parkinson’s stem cells trial

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 9 August 2018

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Scientists at a Japanese university will carry out a world-first clinical trial transplanting reprogrammed stem cells into the brains of seven people with Parkinson’s.

Researchers believe the process – which was tested on monkeys last year – will allow the brain to create dopamine to counter the effects of Parkinson’s.

Shinya Yamanaka, who is working on the study and won the Nobel Prize in 2012 for his work with stem cells, said: “We intend to carry on conducting our research carefully, yet expeditiously, in coordination with Kyoto University Hospital, so that new treatment will be brought to patients as soon as possible.”

Researchers are hoping to create a treatment that will be covered by national health insurance in Japan.

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.

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Inhalable drug given green light

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Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

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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World-first Parkinson’s stem cells trial

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 9 August 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Chris Mamo: 40,000 steps in 12 hours for Parkinson’s

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Swimming the English Channel for Parkinson’s

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Alexander Reed: “people with Parkinson’s are not sick”

IBM unveils AI-powered fingernail sensor that can monitor Parkinson’s progression

Inhalable drug given green light

Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

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World-first Parkinson’s stem cells trial

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 9 August 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Interviews

Chris Mamo: 40,000 steps in 12 hours for Parkinson’s

Interviews

Swimming the English Channel for Parkinson’s

Perspectives

Alexander Reed: “people with Parkinson’s are not sick”

IBM unveils AI-powered fingernail sensor that can monitor Parkinson’s progression

Inhalable drug given green light

Researchers create Parkinson’s-resistant stem cells

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