Application of stem cell biology in treating neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Background

The appropriate strategies are needed for stimulating the endogenous neurogenesis or introducing extrinsic neural progenitors, which could be harnessed as the regenerative resources for cueing the neurodegenerations. Adult neurogenesis is the endogenous continuing physiology in limited brain regions such as hippocampus, olfactory system, and hypothalamus. Besides adult neurogenesis, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) induced functional neurons could be another option for regenerative therapies.

Objective

Current studies are trying to improve the adult neurogenesis and enable the iPSCs induced neurons into neural regeneration. Methods: Here in this review, we mainly introduced the recent progress in neural stem cell biology and its application in the treatment of the neurodegenerations. We main separated the strategy in summarizing the mediators and potential targets to promoting endogenous neural regeneration and transplantation of neural progenitors.

Conclusion

By collecting and comparing the advantages disadvantages between above-mentioned two strategies, we will offer the insight on future development of stem cell therapy in treating neurodegenerative patients.

Keywords:

• Neurodegenerations
• adult neurogenesis
• iPSCs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Fundamentals Research Funds for the Central Universities 2018NTSS30.