Ep. 32: Parkinson’s Cell Therapy Featuring Dr. Malin Parmar
Nov 25, 2014
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Dr. Malin Parmar, an Associate Professor at Lund University, pioneers research on stem cell therapies for Parkinson's disease. She discusses her groundbreaking paper published in Cell Stem Cell, which has drawn significant media attention. The conversation delves into innovative strategies like in vivo reprogramming to transform glial cells into dopamine neurons for treatment. Parmar emphasizes collaboration in research and highlights the challenges and successes within the field, providing fascinating insights into the potential future of Parkinson's therapies.
Recent advances in stem cell research enable the transformation of embryonic stem cells into functional dopamine neurons, crucial for Parkinson's disease treatment.
Increasing the yield of functional dopamine neurons from stem cells can enhance the feasibility of clinical applications for Parkinson's therapy.
In situ reprogramming of glial cells offers a promising approach to directly restore neuronal functions without complex external cell transplantation.
Deep dives
Exploring Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Cell therapy is being researched as a potential approach to address motor deficits in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The discussion highlights the recent advancements made in transforming human embryonic stem cells into functional dopamine neurons, which are crucial for motor control and are lost in Parkinson's patients. Researchers are excited about the implications of using stem cell-derived dopamine neurons compared to traditional fetal dopamine cells. Ultimately, this could lead to new therapeutic options for restoring dopamine function in the affected brain regions.
Challenges in Cell Preparation and Application
One major challenge in implementing cell therapy successfully is the preparation of stem cells to ensure they are functionally equivalent to the neurons found in the human brain. Historically, the yield of functional dopamine neurons from stem cells has been low, which has limited their utility. Recent advancements have improved this yield significantly, making it possible to obtain a higher proportion of the desired neuronal types for transplantation. This progress shows promise for increasing the feasibility of clinical applications in Parkinson's disease treatment.
Innovative Approaches to Dopamine Neuron Identification
The identification and differentiation of dopamine neurons into specific subtypes, particularly A9 neurons, is critical for effective transplantation therapies for Parkinson's disease. A9 neurons are primarily lost in this condition, and understanding the markers that differentiate these neurons from A10 neurons has been a focus of research. New methods have been developed to manipulate gene expression to create a higher proportion of A9 neurons while ensuring they can properly integrate and connect to the necessary brain structures. These breakthroughs can enhance the effectiveness of cell replacement therapies.
In Situ Reprogramming as a Therapeutic Strategy
In situ reprogramming of glial cells to become dopamine neurons presents a novel approach to treating Parkinson's disease without the need for external cell transplantation. This method allows for the direct transformation of local cells within the brain, potentially offering a streamlined route to restore lost neuronal functions. The advantages of this technique lie in its capability to bypass the complexities often associated with cell-based therapies and may lead to lower regulatory hurdles. This strategy aligns with the growing interest in gene and cell therapy combined.
Future of Parkinson's Disease Research and Treatment
Continued advancements in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine hold great promise for the future treatment of Parkinson's disease. Ongoing research looks to establish safer and more effective therapies, with early clinical trials anticipated in the near future. The collaborative efforts among various global research teams aim to accelerate the development of these therapies, which could significantly improve quality of life for those affected by the disease. As researchers continue to refine their approaches, the hope of significantly altering the disease's trajectory moves closer to reality.
Guest:
Dr. Malin Parmar to talk about her latest paper in Cell Stem Cell regarding Parkinson’s disease. This paper is very important and made main stream news everywhere.
Resources and Links
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Sox2-Mediated Conversion of NG2 Glia into Induced Neurons in the Injured Adult Cerebral Cortex – This article proposes that the conversion of nonneuronal cells into induced neurons can be an innovative strategy toward brain repair.
hPSC-Derived Maturing GABAergic Interneurons Ameliorate Seizures and Abnormal Behavior in Epileptic Mice – This article focuses on the study of hPSC-derived maturing GABAergic interneurons as a potential support to restorative cell therapy for epilepsy.
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