Repairing neural injuries using human umbilical cord blood

Mol Neurobiol, 2013 · DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8388-0 · Published: June 1, 2013

Simple Explanation

Stem cells offer a promising avenue for repairing damaged neurons and glial cells in neural injuries and for replacing dead cells in neurodegenerative diseases. Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) is an attractive source of stem cells for repairing neural injuries because it is easy to harvest, purify, and is not limited by ethical quandaries unlike embryonic stem cells. Human UCB contains cells that can give rise to ESCs, MSCs and NSCs, which have capacity to differentiate into neural lineage including neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Human UCB and UCB-derived cells can survive in injured sites in animal models of ischemic brain damage and spinal cord injuries, and promote survival and prevent cell death of local neurons and glia.
2
Transplantation of human UCB or UCB derived cells has been proven to improve neurological function in ischemic models.
3
Human UCB exhibits therapeutic potential through neuroprotection, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and differentiation into neurons and glia.

Research Summary

Human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) is a rich source of multiple stem cells and is easy to harvest and purify. Human UC/UCB-derived cells can differentiate into multiple cell types of neural lineages and promote the survival of local neurons and glia. UCB transplantation promotes functional improvement in animal models of ischemia through multiple mechanisms including neuroportection, anti-inflammation, angiogenesis and cell replacement.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Human UCB has shown a great potential for treatment of neural injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Clinical Trials

Ongoing and completed clinical trials suggest the potential of UCB-derived cells for treating conditions like spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease and ALS.

Further Research

Further investigations at molecular and cellular levels are needed to optimize the purification and differentiation of specific cell types from UCB.

Study Limitations

1
Heterogeneity of UCB creates challenges for purifying specific cell types.
2
Molecular mechanisms maintaining pluripotency and directing UCB into neural lineages are unclear.
3
Functional connectivity of UCB-derived neurons after transplantation is unknown.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Regenerative Medicine