News Release

Stem cells may help replace lost sensory neurons

Peer-Reviewed Publication

International Society for Stem Cell Research

Sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system, which sense touch, temperature, and pain, can be permanently lost during infections, trauma, in response to certain medications, and in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.  Current treatments reduce symptoms but cannot bring back lost sensory neurons, which are thought to have a very limited ability to regenerate after injury or disease.  A recent study in Stem Cell Reports shows that there are stem cells in the sensory nervous system of mice with the potential to regenerate lost neurons and glia.

The cell bodies of sensory neurons are grouped in so-called dorsal root ganglia (DRG), close to the spinal cord. DRGs carry sensory messages from various receptors (i.e., pain and temperature) towards the central nervous system. Apart from sensory neurons, DRG also contain supportive cells, known as satellite glia and Schwann cells, which help the neurons to function normally. A recent study in Stem Cell Reports demonstrated that the DRGs contained stem cells with the potential to regenerate lost neurons. Researchers Baron-Van Evercooren, Garcia-Diaz and colleagues with the Institut du Cerveau, France, found that after sensory nerve injury, dying DRG cells could be replaced by a subpopulation of stem cells among the satellite glia, which became activated and generate new glia and, to a lesser extent, neurons. The identification of these DRG stem cells in mice demonstrates a potential source to regenerate lost neurons but more follow-up research will be needed to know if these cells exist in humans and if so, how they could be harnessed to enhance sensory neuron regeneration in neuropathy patients.

About Stem Cell Reports
Stem Cell Reports is the Open Access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) for communicating basic discoveries in stem cell research, in addition to translational and clinical studies. Stem Cell Reports focuses on original research with conceptual or practical advances that are of broad interest to stem cell biologists and clinicians.

About ISSCR
With 4,500 members from more than 70 countries, the International Society for Stem Cell Research is the preeminent global, cross-disciplinary, science-based organization dedicated to stem cell research and its translation to the clinic. The ISSCR mission is to promote excellence in stem cell science and applications to human health.

 

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