First step in a possible therapeutic approach using stem cells for Friedreich's ataxia

Sent by: Dr. Jonathan Jones, Neuroscience Institute, Miguel Hernández University, San Juan, Alicante, 03550 SPAIN

The Experimental Embryology lab in the Neuroscience Institute in Alicante, Spain, is researching on the possible use of bone marrow and/or adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of Friedreich's Ataxia. To this end, stem cells are injected intrathecally into the spinal cord of a FA mouse model, where the cells will attach to the dorsal root ganglion. Here, the cells will release trophic factors to protect the large sensory neurons from death, which is reflected in an improvement in motor skills. This is a first step in a possible therapeutic approach using stem cells for Friedreich's ataxia.

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More information about the project (Spanish)