Transform normal skin cells into brain cells

In a study published in the American Journal of Natural Biotechnology on April 14, a group of American scientists said they had succeeded in directly converting normal skin cells into a form. Brain cells are often destroyed in multiple sclerosis patients.

According to a research team at Case Western Reserve University, the study helped to make the creation of myelinated cells , which are responsible for producing a protective covering for neurons, thereby helping The process of moving commands from the brain to the body goes smoothly and the body works normally.

In an experiment carried out on mice, scientists conducted a direct conversion of fibroblasts - a type of structural cell that is available in the skin and human organs, into less branched cells - The unit that produces the myelin layer covers neurons in the brain.

Paul Tesar, genetic expert and genetic science at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and team leader, called the process "alchemy," in which his group was The use of conventional cells is available as a material that transforms into a cell of high value for the treatment of diseases.

The researchers say they have succeeded in creating billions of small branched cells that reconstruct from fibroblasts and then recreate myelin coating around nerves that are implanted in mice.

When less-branched cells are damaged or act abnormally, the myelin coating of nerve cells is lost, causing disorders in the body's activity.

The treatment for this case is to reconstruct the myelin layer through a method that replaces the less branched cells, which can only be obtained from the newborn tissue or stem cells in the spinal cord.

This method is quite effective but also has many limitations.

The new experiment, if it can be successfully applied to human therapy, will open hope for treatment for patients with myelin disorder.