Cell therapy perspectives in neurology

Neste artigo de revisão, buscamos ressaltar alguns dos avanços mais recentes na pesquisa sobre células-tronco em neurologia. Além disso, buscamos demonstrar a direta associação entre seu funcionamento e mecanismos de replicação, diferenciação e maturação, além da terapêutica celular de algumas doenças neurológicas. Abordamos a provável associação entre essas células indiferenciadas e a origem de alguns tumores malignos do SNC, bem como os potenciais terapêuticos que o transplante das mesmas tem na medicina neurológica regenerativa. Por fim, concluímos que o entendimento e a pesquisa sobre esses mecanismos podem abrir portas para abordagens mais diretas e eficazes de diversas doenças atualmente incuráveis do sistema nervoso.In this review, we sought to highlight some of the latest advances in stem-cell research in neurology. In addition, we demonstrated the direct association between its functioning and replication mechanisms, differentiation and maturation, and also the cell therapy involved in some neurological diseases. We discussed the possible association between these undifferentiated cells and the source of some malignant tumors of the CNS, as well as the therapeutic potential of transplanting these cells in neurologic regenerative medicine. Finally, we conclude that the understanding and research on these mechanisms may lead the way to more direct and effective approaches of several currently incurable diseases of the nervous system

What do we know about the neurogenic potential of different stem cell types?

Cell therapies, based on transplantation of immature cells, are being considered as a promising tool in the treatment of neurological disorders. Many efforts are being concentrated on the development of safe and effective stem cell lines. Nevertheless, the neurogenic potential of some cell lines, i.e., the ability to generate mature neurons either in vitro or in vivo, is largely unknown. Recent evidence indicate that this potential might be distinct among different cell lines, therefore limiting their broad use as replacement cells in the central nervous system. Here, we have reviewed the latest advancements regarding the electrophysiological maturation of stem cells, focusing our attention on fetal-derived-, embryonic-, and induced pluripotent stem cells. In summary, a large body of evidence supports the biological safety, high neurogenic potential, and in some diseases probable clinical efficiency related to fetal-derived cells. By contrast, reliable data regarding embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are still missing