Stem cell that may aid healing and repair found in brain

Washington, April 24 (ANI): Scientists have discovered a new stem cell in the adult brain and they hope to put the discovery to use to develop methods that can repair diseases and injury to the brain.

These cells can proliferate and form several different cell types - most importantly, they can form new brain cells.

Analysing brain tissue from biopsies, the researchers at the Lund University 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 suggested that the curative properties might 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," Paul-Visse added.

The study 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. Ultimately the goal is to strengthen these mechanisms and develop new treatments that can repair the diseased brain," said Dr. Paul-Visse.

The finding was published in the journal PLoS ONE. (ANI)