From Skin Cells to Neurons

Using a newly developed technique, researchers have been able to change skin cells into neurons. The study, involving patients with Lou Gehrig's disease, revealed that a patient's own cells could be used to treat his/her disease.

Nerve Cell © Dennis Kunkel

The researchers accomplished this transformation using a technique called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS). This technique genetically programs human adult skin cells so that they resemble embryonic stem cells. The cells are then nurtured and prompted into becoming motor neurons.

The success of the iPS technique has led researchers to believe that it will one day replace other human cloning techniques. Much more research must be done before the newly programmed cells can be used for therapeutic treatments.

Learn more about this study, see:

• Stem Cell Technology: First Neurons Created From ALS Patient's Skin Cells (Science Daily)