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High Throughput Characterization of Adult Stem Cells Engineered for Delivery of Therapeutic Factors for Neuroprotective Strategies
Published on: January 4, 2015
Current advances in using neurotrophic factors to treat neurodegenerative disorders
April M Weissmiller1, Chengbiao Wu
1Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0649, USA. chw049@ucsd.edu.
Abstract:
Neurotrophic factors are best known for their roles in both development and continued maintenance of the nervous system. Their strong potential to elicit pro-survival and pro-functional responses in neurons of the peripheral and central nervous system make them good drug candidates for treatment of a multitude of neurodegenerative disorders. However, significant obstacles remain and need to be overcome before translating the potential of neurotrophins into the therapeutic arena. This article addresses current efforts and advances in resolving these challenges and provides an overview of roadmaps for future translational research and neurotrophin-based drug developments.
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