Researchers at the University of Manchester have turned stem cells from fat tissue into nerve cells, and plan to use them to develop artificial nerves that could bring paralysed limbs back to life.
In a study published in the September issue of Experimental Neurology, Dr Paul Kingham and his team at the UK Centre for Tissue Regeneration (UKCTR) isolated stem cells from the fat of adult animals and made them develop into nerve-supporting cells, to repair and regenerate damaged nerves. They are now collecting stem cells from the fat of healthy human volunteers to compare them with the animal cells.
They then plan to develop artificial nerves made from biodegradable polymers to carry the differentiated stem cells, to be placed where nerves are damaged. These nerves could help patients with limb or organ damage after injury, cancer patients whose nerves were damaged by surgery, and transplant patients. Once suitable materials are found, the scientists expect the treatment could be ready in 4 to 5 years.
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