MIT Researchers Unveil Breakthrough: Direct Conversion of Skin Cells Into Neurons
Washington D.C., [USA], March 16 (ANI): Scientists have developed a technique to transform a skin cell directly into a neuron without going through the stage of generating induced pluripotent stem cells. These newly created neurons might potentially be utilized for treating spinal cord injuries or conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Transforming a single cell type into another — such as changing a skin cell into a neuron — involves converting the skin cell first into an 'induced pluripotent' stem cell. This intermediate step allows the cell to have the potential to develop into various types before being guided specifically toward becoming a neuron.
Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a streamlined method that skips the stem cell phase, transforming a skin cell directly into a neuron.
Using mouse cells, the scientists created an exceptionally effective conversion technique capable of producing over ten neurons from a single skin cell. Should this process prove viable in human cells, it has the potential to yield substantial numbers of motor neurons. These could possibly be employed for treating individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries or conditions that affect movement capabilities.
"We managed to achieve levels of yield high enough to inquire if these cells might serve as potential candidates for cell replacement therapies, an outcome we aspire towards. This is precisely what such reprogramming techniques aim to accomplish," stated Katie Galloway, who holds the position of WM Keck Career Development Professor in both Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering.
To initiate their work towards using these cells for therapeutic purposes, the scientists demonstrated that they were capable of producing motor neurons and transplanting them into the mouse brain, where they successfully merged with the surrounding tissue.
Galloway is the senior author of two papers detailing the novel approach, published today in Cell Systems. The primary author of these papers is MIT graduate student Nathan Wang.
The MIT group likewise aims to boost the efficiency of converting human cells, potentially enabling the production of substantial amounts of neurons. These could then be utilized to address spinal cord injuries or conditions like ALS that impact motor function.
Clinical trials utilizing neurons obtained from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to address ALS are currently in progress; however, increasing the quantity of these cells could simplify testing and aid in their broader application in human therapies, as stated by Galloway.
The study received funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. (ANI)