Scientists have developed a new method to convert human skin cells directly into a specific type of brain cell affected by Huntington’s disease, an ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disorder.
Experts at Washington University School of Medicine demonstrated that these converted cells survived at least six months after injection into the brains of mice and behaved similarly to native cells in the brain.
“These cells are known to extend projections into certain brain regions,” Assistant professor Andrew S. Yoo said.
Experts produced a specific type of brain cell called medium spiny neurons, which are important for controlling movement.
These are the primary cells affected in Huntington’s disease.
–PTI