(JP)Team creates neurons from monkey cells

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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

 

 

 

 

 

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