China News Service, Beijing, June 25 (Reporter Sun Zifa) A new scientific research paper published in the international academic journal Nature Non-neuronal cells are transformed into functional neurons. This technique has been proven to reverse the symptoms of a Parkinson's disease mouse model, or to point out a new way to explore treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

  The research paper pointed out that one of the main goals of regenerative medicine is to replace neurons lost in neurodegenerative diseases and to promote the integration of new neurons into functional neural circuits. For example, Parkinson's disease is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain regions responsible for rewards and exercise.

  The corresponding author of the paper, Professor Fu Xiangdong of the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues showed through experiments that astrocytes can be transformed into functional dopaminergic neurons. Astrocytes are non-neuronal cells of the brain that can produce an RNA-binding protein called PTBP1, which prevents astrocytes from becoming neurons.

  The authors of the paper stated that the removal of PTBP1 can turn astrocytes into functional neurons and rebuild lost neuronal circuits. This approach can also restore dopamine levels in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease and treat their movement disorders. Importantly, the short-term inhibition of PTBP1 with antisense oligonucleotides also has an effect, and currently this therapy has shown great promise in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

  The industry believes that this latest study provides a new regenerative therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the author of the paper reminded that before the treatment is actually used in humans, relevant research is still required. After further improvement, this therapy is expected to treat Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. (Finish)