Guest guest Posted January 29, 2002 Report Share Posted January 29, 2002 http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/index-e.htm Team creates neurons from monkey cells Yomiuri Shimbun, 30 Jan 2002 A research team at Kyoto University has successfully created light-sensitive stem cells and neurons that secrete the neurotransmitter dopamine from a monkey's embryonic stem (ES) cells, which are able to change into cells of various tissues and organs, university sources said Tuesday. The is the first successful experiment of its kind in the world. As the ES cells of monkeys and humans are similar, the experiment is expected to lead to advances in treating Parkinson's disease and other movement impairments that are caused from a lack of dopamine as well as retinal diseases. The group was led by Yoshiki Sasai, a professor at the university's Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences. In autumn 2000, Sasai and his research team developed an efficient process to convert mouse ES cells into neurons by combining them with cells extracted from mouse bone marrow, which promotes growth. This process was then applied to cynomolgus monkey ES cells created by Prof. Norio Nakatsuji and others. About half of the cells had transformed into neurons in 10 to 12 days, 30 percent of which were secreting dopamine. These cells were then transplanted into the mouse's brain. Two weeks later, 10 percent of the cells were still functioning. Three weeks after the cell cultivation began, 8 percent of cells that did not turn into neurons turned black. When examined, the cells were found to resemble those found in the pigmented layer of the retina, which helps light-sensitive cells in the retina function. The results of the study will be published in the Feb. 5 issue of the journal of the U.S. National Academy of Sci-ences. Sasai said: " We have transplanted the neurons into the brain of a monkey afflicted with an impairment resembling Parkinson's disease and are currently studying the cells' effectiveness in treating the ailment. Once we have ascertained the safety of the process, we would like to apply it to clinical uses as well. " Copyright 2002 The Yomiuri Shimbun Great stuff seeking new owners in Auctions! http://auctions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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