Stem Cells

Stem cells present an exciting step forward in generating cells to replace areas of the brain damaged by PD. A number of sources and types of stem cells are currently being investigated to develop therapeutic dopamine replacement cells. Sources of stem cells include embryonic, fetal, and adult tissue. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are cells derived from adult somatic cells transfected with stem cell-associated genes through viral vectors to induce pluripotency.  These cells are like stem cells in their ability to differentiate into different adult cell types. Ongoing work continues to look for alternative sources of stem cells.

Image from Stem Cell Information, NIH