Apr 13, 2009
Embryonic stem cells may regenerate myelin-making cells
Scientists from the University of Wisconsin report that they have successfully generated myelin-producing cells from human embryonic stem cells.
In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks both myelin, which coats and protects nerves, and the cells that produce it. Regenerating both has been a key focus in MS research.
For the past decade, researchers have reportedly failed to persuade human neural stem cells to become myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. But a paper in the May issue of Development will report that exposing embryonic stem cells to a protein known as “Sonic Hedgehog” turns them into oligodendrocytes in 14 weeks.