Promising Advances in Using Stem Cells to Promote Brain Recovery After Stroke in Mice
New stem cell therapy research shows promising results in repairing brain damage and restoring motor function in mice after stroke, paving the way for potential human treatments.
Recent research demonstrates that stem cell therapy may significantly enhance brain repair and functional recovery following stroke. Conducted by scientists from the Keck School of Medicine of USC, along with collaborators at the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, the study explored the effects of transplanting neural stem cells into the brains of mice that had experienced ischemic strokes. The innovative approach involved reprogramming human blood cells into neural stem cells capable of developing into neurons, then transplanting these cells into the damaged brain tissue.
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, revealed that mice treated with neural stem cell transplants one week after a stroke showed notable improvements in brain structure and function compared to untreated mice. After five weeks, the brains of treated mice exhibited reduced inflammation, increased growth of neurons and blood vessels, and enhanced neural connectivity. Importantly, these mice also regained their fine motor skills, demonstrated through AI-powered movement tracking, outperforming sham-operated controls.
Further analysis uncovered that the transplanted stem cells predominantly developed into GABAergic neurons, which release gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter associated with neural regeneration post-stroke. The study also highlighted key signaling pathways involved in neuron regeneration and network formation, providing insights into potential targeted therapies.
This breakthrough suggests that stem cell transplantation could extend the window for effective stroke treatment, especially for patients who cannot receive immediate clot-busting therapies. The researchers aim to explore longer-term effects and ways to enhance these regenerative pathways, with the ultimate goal of developing durable, lifelong cell-based treatments for stroke patients.
This research marks a significant step toward innovative regenerative therapies aimed at restoring brain function and reducing disability caused by strokes. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-stem-cell-transplant-brain-growth.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Over 10% of Surgical Patients Experience Food Insecurity
A recent study reveals that over 10% of surgical patients in the U.S. face food insecurity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Study Finds White Veterans as High Users of Secure Messaging in Veteran Health System
A recent study reveals that White veterans are more active in using secure messaging portals in the Veterans Health Administration, with implications for personalized healthcare outreach and resource allocation.
Uncovering the Rise of GHB-Related Incidents and Regional Hotspots in Australia
A new study reveals a surge in GHB-related ambulance attendances across Australia, with regional hotspots like Geelong experiencing significant increases, emphasizing the need for targeted harm reduction efforts.
Computational Models Unveil How Visual Cortex Regions Collaborate to Encode Visual Information
Recent research using computational models sheds light on how regions of the visual cortex collaborate to encode visual information, revealing key principles governing their interactions and offering new insights into human perception.