Astrocytes on the mind

Stem cell transplants have the potential to replace lost neurons in the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients, but preclinical efficacy results have been disappointing because of poor survival and function of the resulting neurons. To overcome the problem, a new study led by Hanyang University researchers suggests adding astrocytes to the stem cell transplants.

There are two key problems with neural progenitor cells (NPCs) transplanted into the brain: immune response to the cells themselves, and injury to the cells that can occur during transplantation. Both factors impair the differentiation, maturation, survival and function of NPCs and can ultimately cause graft rejection...