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Updated: May 27, 2026
09:24
Systemic Injection of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells in Mice with Chronic EAE
Published on: April 15, 2014
Stem cell pathologies and neurological disease
Dennis A Steindler1, Michael S Okun, Björn Scheffler
1Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, McKnight Brain Institute of The University of Florida, 100 S. Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. Steindler@neurosurgery.ufl.edu
Summary
Adult human brain stem cells play a critical role in neurological diseases. Imbalances in stem/progenitor cell numbers can signal or contribute to brain pathology, impacting repair and disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Adult human brains contain stem and progenitor cells.
- These cells are implicated in responses to neurological injury and disease.
- Aberrant numbers of these cells are observed in conditions like Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and glioma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted role of stem cells in the pathology of neurological diseases.
- To discuss the potential positive and negative contributions of stem cells to brain repair and disease.
- To address critical issues in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine concerning neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on stem cell behavior in neurological contexts.
- Analysis of the relationship between stem/progenitor cell numbers and specific neurological conditions.
- Discussion of speculative and documented evidence for stem cell involvement in brain pathology.
Main Results:
- Stem and progenitor cells have a persistent role in brain repair after injury or disease.
- Both deficiencies and excesses of stem/progenitor cells are linked to neurological pathology.
- Stem cell responses can lead to regenerative failure or successful neural circuit restoration.
Conclusions:
- Stem cells play a crucial, dual role (positive or negative) in the pathology of numerous neurological diseases.
- Understanding stem cell dynamics is vital for developing effective regenerative therapies.
- The balance of stem/progenitor cells is a key factor in neurological health and disease progression.
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