14 DAY TRIAL // A paper available in the journal Stem Cell Reports details a drastic change of career that a bunch of skin cells underwent after falling in the hands of researchers with the University of Luxembourg.
Long story short, these brainiacs resorted to genetic engineering to turn the skin cells into neurons (induced neuronal stem cells, to be more precise), and then transplanted them into the brains of several laboratory mice.
The best part about this research project is that, six months after having been transplanted into the rodents' brains, the neurons were not only alive and kicking, but also integrated into the organs.
As detailed in the journal Stem Cell Reports, the neurons displayed normal patterns of activity, and were connected to the rest of the animals' brains via synapses. Besides, the mice did not seem to mind carrying them around.
According to EurekAlert, it is expected that this breakthrough will one day help scientists develop better treatment options for people diagnosed with Parkinson's and other similar conditions. Until this, there is plenty of work left to be done.
“Successes in human therapy are still a long way off, but I am sure successful cell replacement therapies will exist in future. Our research results have taken us a step further in this direction,” Prof. Dr. Jens Schwamborn said in a statement.