Umbilical cord: an unlimited source of cells differentiable towards dopaminergic neurons

Cell replacement therapy utilizing mesenchymal stem cells as its main resource holds great promise for ultimate treatment of human neurological disorders. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, chronic neurodegenerative disorder hallmarked by localized degeneration of a specific set of dopaminergic neurons within a midbrain sub-region. The specific cell type and confined location of degenerating neurons make cell replacement therapy ideal for PD treatment since it mainly requires replenishment of lost dopaminergic neurons with fresh and functional ones. Endogenous as well as exogenous cell sources have been identified as candidate targets for cell replacement therapy in PD. In this review, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) are discussed as they provide an inexpensive unlimited reservoir differentiable towards functional dopaminergic neurons that potentially lead to long-lasting behavioral recovery in PD patients. We also present miRNAs-mediated neuronal differentiation of UCMSCs. The UCMSCs bear a number of outstanding characteristics including their non-tumorigenic, low-immunogenic properties that make them ideal for cell replacement therapy purposes. Nevertheless, more investigations as well as controlled clinical trials are required to thoroughly confirm the efficacy of UCMSCs for therapeutic medical-grade applications in PD

Genetically modified mice-methods, applications and outlook

Background & Aim: Transgenic mice, of tengenerated by random integration of foreign genes into the mouse genome or by targeted mutation in a particular gene, have demonstrated to be a very effective tool for studying gene function in living things. In this review article, we discussed on the current methods of generating genetically-modified mice and their related problems and then investigated the new methods developed to overcome these problems. Finally, we discussed future prospects on the gene targeting. Methods & Materials: This is a review article, which has been written after searching Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Springer, Elsevier and Magiran databases by using keywords of transgenic mice, functional genetics, genetargeting, and homologous recombination. Results: This study dealt with genetic variations in a wide range, differential processing and inactivation of gene-specific isoforms, local and induced genetic changes, Cre/loxP system and some future perspectives. Conclusion: Success rate in genetic modification of mouse genome has increased dramatically, and use of knockout mice has resulted in increased knowledge of human biology and diseases

Genetically modified mice-methods, applications and outlook

Background & Aim: Transgenic mice, of tengenerated by random integration of foreign genes into the mouse genome or by targeted mutation in a particular gene, have demonstrated to be a very effective tool for studying gene function in living things. In this review article, we discussed on the current methods of generating genetically-modified mice and their related problems and then investigated the new methods developed to overcome these problems. Finally, we discussed future prospects on the gene targeting. Methods & Materials: This is a review article, which has been written after searching Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Springer, Elsevier and Magiran databases by using keywords of transgenic mice, functional genetics, genetargeting, and homologous recombination. Results: This study dealt with genetic variations in a wide range, differential processing and inactivation of gene-specific isoforms, local and induced genetic changes, Cre/loxP system and some future perspectives. Conclusion: Success rate in genetic modification of mouse genome has increased dramatically, and use of knockout mice has resulted in increased knowledge of human biology and diseases