Brain cells can be reprogrammed





The researchers were able to "reprogram" the brain cells in young mice. Such a breakthrough in the field of neuroscience may lead to new treatments for the fatal brain neuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS slowly paralyzes motor functions of the body, killing the neurons that control muscle movement. Studies on mice have managed to create a living neurons, similar to the corticospinal fibers - one of the two types of neurons, which kills ALS.

The material for them served kollozalnye or cortical neurons that connect together the two hemispheres of the brain and unaffected by ALS.

The discovery makes it possible to use a pristine disease brain neurons to increase the supply of cells destroyed by neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, usually attacks a particular type of neuron cells, leaving all other types of unattended. It is possible that neuronal reprogramming will enable affected people to start moving again.

Of course, the technology is still under development, and more research is needed, she began to bring practical benefits. In particular, the important question is whether programming cells in aged mice and humans. In addition, to be seen whether the method is suitable for not only for the treatment of diseases of the brain, but also to restore the functions of the central nervous system.

via factroom.ru

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