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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
09:19
High Throughput Characterization of Adult Stem Cells Engineered for Delivery of Therapeutic Factors for Neuroprotective Strategies
Published on: January 4, 2015
Human embryonic stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases
Eva Tomaskovic-Crook1, Jeremy M Crook
1Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore.
CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets
|April 19, 2011
Summary
Human embryonic stem cells show promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Advances in cell therapy and policy shifts are accelerating clinical translation, despite existing challenges.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Renewed enthusiasm for clinical translation of human embryonic stem (hES) cells.
- Advancements in hES cell maintenance, differentiation, and accessibility.
- Discovery of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and policy changes impact research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review key advances and challenges in translating hES cells into therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Focus on Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
- Discuss relevance to systemic applications and other pluripotent stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent developments in hES cell research and clinical translation.
- Analysis of factors enabling and hindering therapeutic applications.
- Consideration of economic and practical aspects of cell therapies.
Main Results:
- hES cell derivatives offer potential for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
- Allogeneic treatments may be more efficient and economical than autologous.
- Significant hurdles remain for widespread clinical application.
Conclusions:
- hES cells and iPS cells hold significant therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Overcoming practical, fiscal, and scientific challenges is crucial for clinical success.
- The review's findings are applicable to both neurological and systemic stem cell therapies.
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