New stem cell found in the brain

Analysing brain tissue from biopsies, the researchers for the first time found stem cells located around small blood vessels in the brain. The cell's specific function is still unclear, but its plastic properties suggest great potential. A similar cell type has been identified in several other organs where it can promote regeneration of muscle, bone, cartilage and adipose tissue.

In other organs, researchers have shown clear evidence that these types of cells contribute to repair and wound healing. Scientists suggest that the curative properties may also apply to the brain. The next step is to try to control and enhance stem cell self-healing properties with the aim of carrying out therapies targeted to a specific area of the brain.

“Our findings show that the cell capacity is much larger than we originally thought, and that these cells are very versatile,” said Gesine Paul-Visse, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Lund University.

“Most interesting is their ability to form neuronal cells, but they can also be developed for other cell types. The results contribute to better understanding of how brain cell plasticity works and opens up new opportunities to exploit these very features.”

The study, published in the journal PLoS ONE, is of interest to a broad spectrum of brain research. Future possible therapeutic targets range from neurodegenerative diseases to stroke.

“We hope that our findings may lead to a new and better understanding of the brain's own repair mechanisms,” said Dr. Paul-Visse. “Ultimately the goal is to strengthen these mechanisms and develop new treatments that can repair the diseased brain.”

Link to the study here:
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0035577
The study:
Title: The Adult Human Brain Harbors Multipotent Perivascular Mesenchymal Stem Cells Published in: PLoS ONE, 16 April, 2012.
Contact:
Gesine Paul-Visse, Reader, Neurologist, Department of Clinical Sciences in Lund, Lund University
Tel: 046-177766, 046-2220524 Gesine.Paul-Visse@med.lu.se
Jens Persson