Human Pluripotent Stem Cells-Based Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Status and Challenges

Neurodegenerative diseases involve irreversible cell damage and loss in the nervous system. Pluripotent stem cells, capable of becoming various cell types, offer potential for cell replacement therapies. Human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are being studied for treating neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's, stroke, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis. Clinical application of these stem cell therapies faces challenges including the risk of tumor formation, immune rejection, and regenerating the diverse cell types of the central nervous system.

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  hPSC-based therapies have shown potential for reversing motor defects in Parkinson's disease patients by replacing damaged dopamine neurons.
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  Transplantation of neuronal cells derived from hPSCs can lead to functional improvement in animal models of stroke through several mechanisms including neuronal replacement.
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  hESC-MGE grafts improved neurogenic bladder dysfunction and relieved central neuropathic pain, two of the most debilitating SCI-related symptoms.