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
FDA Approves Vizz Eye Drops to Enhance Near Vision in Adults
The FDA has approved Vizz eye drops, a novel treatment for presbyopia, to improve near vision in adults by enhancing depth of focus without adverse effects. This innovative eye drop could transform presbyopia management.
Increased Post-Kidney Transplant Risks Associated with BMI-BSA Obesity
Obesity defined by combined BMI and BSA metrics increases the risk of adverse outcomes after kidney transplantation, highlighting the need for accurate assessment methods for better patient management.
Educational Debt and Excessive Work Hours Linked to Burnout in Early-Career Family Physicians
High educational debt and long work hours are associated with increased burnout symptoms among early-career family physicians. This study highlights the importance of financial and workload management to improve physician well-being.
Understanding Why We Remember Some Life Moments and Let Others Fade
Discover how emotional significance and conceptual links influence which memories are retained or fade away, based on a recent BU study exploring memory prioritization mechanisms.