By transplanting nerve cells made from iPS cells, a group from Keio University succeeded in regenerating the nerves of rats that had been injured for some time and partially restoring their motor functions. announced.
The research group wants to aim for transplantation to patients in the future.
This research was conducted by a group led by Professor Hideyuki Okano and Professor Masaya Nakamura of Keio University and has been published in an international scientific journal.
According to this, the group administered a special protein that promotes cell proliferation to rats 6 weeks after the spinal cord was cut, and then administered cells that will become the source of nerve cells made from iPS cells 1 week later. bottom.
As a result, new neural tissue appeared and spread beyond the damaged area, connecting new neural circuits.
In addition, it is said that some of the motor functions have recovered, such as being able to move the hind legs in a width of several centimeters.
After the spinal cord is damaged in an accident and the body becomes immobile, it is said to be particularly difficult to recover function over time. I don't think there's ever been an example of this before.
The group is proceeding with clinical research on transplanting nerve cells made from iPS cells to patients with spinal cord injuries. I want to aim for practical use in clinical trials."