Promising Advances in Using Stem Cells to Promote Brain Recovery After Stroke in Mice

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