Reprogrammed neuronal stem cells survive long-term in spinal cord injury model

An international team led by scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine (UCSD; CA, USA) has revealed recent research that utilizes neuronal cells programmed from genetically identical pigs to eliminate the need for immunosuppression measures. Using neural stem cells derived from genetically different donors in order to replace damaged or destroyed tissue has been extremely challenging, given the persistent rejection of the introduced cells. This usually necessitates the use of complex drugs and techniques to suppress the host’s immune system. In a new study published in Science Translational Medicine, the team describes successfully grafting induced pluripotent...