Another major breakthrough in embryonic stem cell (ESC) research. :)

The Finding:

ESCs that were first differentiated into motor neurons while in culture, were then "enticed" to extend axons from the spinal cord into muscle tissue to restore function and movement in partially-paralyzed rats.

The Politics:

This finding is "proof of principle" that human ESCs can potentially treat and heal many who suffer motor neuron disabilities. It's a major finding. While the vast majority of Americans want federal funding for human embryonic research restored, the Republican leadership apparently do not. Instead, they resign their defense on a so-called ethical debate that has continuedunconscionably for 5 years. But it's their ethics that they should question, which is more a disingenuous or " nefarious" campaign to undermine the science and the hopes of millions of Americans. At present, HR-810 along with other versions of the stem cell bill, remains shelved from debate and an "up or down" vote on the Senate floor by Senator Frist.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Neurons Grown from Embryonic Stem Cells Restore Function in Paralyzed Rats

For the first time, researchers have enticed transplants of embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons in the spinal cord to connect with muscles and partially restore function in paralyzed animals. The study suggests that similar techniques may be useful for treating such disorders as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy. The study was funded in part by the NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

The researchers, led by Douglas Kerr, M.D., Ph.D., of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, used a combination of transplanted motor neurons, chemicals capable of overcoming signals that inhibit axon growth, and a nerve growth factor to attract axons to muscles. The report is published in the July 2006 issue of Annals of Neurology.*

"...//... The successful demonstration of functional restoration is proof of the principle and an important step forward. We must remember, however, that we still have a great distance to go," says Elias A. Zerhouni, Director of the National Institutes of Health. ...//..."

In the study, Dr. Kerr and his colleagues cultured embryonic stem cells from mice with chemicals that caused them to differentiate into motor neurons. Just before transplantation, they added three nerve growth factors to the culture medium. Most of the cells were also cultured with a substance called dibutyrl cAMP (dbcAMP) that helps to overcome axon-inhibiting signals from myelin, the substance that insulates nerve fibers in the spinal cord. ...//... "

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While these results are promising, much work remains before a similar strategy could be tried in humans, Dr. Kerr says. The therapy must first be tested in larger animals to determine if the nerves can reconnect over longer distances and to make sure the treatments are safe. There currently is no large-animal model for motor neuron degeneration, so Dr. Kerr's group is working to develop a pig model. Researchers also need to test human embryonic stem cells to learn if they will work in the same way as the mouse cells. It has only recently become possible to grow motor neurons from human embryonic stem cells, Dr. Kerr adds. However, if the future studies go well, this type of therapy might eventually be useful for spinal muscular atrophy, ALS, and other motor neuron diseases.

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jun2006/ninds-20.htm