ScienceDaily (Dec. 3, 2012) Researchers have derived dopaminergic neurons from bone marrow stem cells in monkeys. Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that is characterized by tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty walking. It is caused by loss of the neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine (known as dopaminergic neurons). One of the primary goals in Parkinson's disease research is to develop a replacement for dopaminergic neurons. In a new study, researchers led by Takuya Hayashi at the RIKEN Center for Molecular Imaging Science in Kobe, Japan, derived dopaminergic neurons from bone marrow stem cells in monkeys. The cells were retrieved during a standard bone marrow aspiration and then treated with growth factors that directed the stem cells to become dopaminergic neurons. The monkeys that donated the stem cells were treated with a chemical to induce Parkinson's disease and then received a transplant of the new dopaminergic neurons that had been derived from their own bone marrow stem cells. Monkeys that received the transplant showed significant improvement in motor defects. This study demonstrates that dopaminergic neurons derived from adult bone marrow stem cells can be safely used to improve motor function in Parkinson's disease … Continue reading →

By SARAH-JAYNE SIMON Published December 2, 2012 at 9:46pm Updated December 2, 2012 at 9:46pm A UA professor has been recognized for his work as a pioneer in stem cell banking. David Harris, professor of immunobiology, was awarded the Arizona BioIndustry Association 2012 award for 20 Years of Discovery and Innovation. Harris recognition is the culmination of decades of work in the field of stem cell research. Harris came to the UA 23 years ago from the University of North Carolina and said he was interested in improving the bone marrow transplant process. As a result, he began to use a process called cord blood banking. In 1991, Harris became the first person to bank stem cells for future use, which includes saving them for future treatments. Its nice to end up being recognized for something that you have worked on for a long time, Harris said. Taking something and making it important for everyday life for people to improve their life is amazing. From starting with animal models and moving to human beings is huge; its nice to see it go from one point to another. Harris said he banked stem cells for future use by preserving his first … Continue reading →

Christine Wood/Photo Alison Johnstone kisses and hugs her grandson Rylan who is showing signs of improvement after receiving stem cell treatments in China last month. Christine Wood/Staff Writer Since returning home from having stem cell treatments in China last month, five-year-old Rylan Johnstone has taken his first unaided steps, given his first hug, spoken his first complete sentence and shown his first reaction to light much to the delight of his family. We are absolutely overjoyed with the changes weve noticed already, said Rylans grandma Alison. Even if thats all that happens, it was definitely worth it to go, but I think there are more changes to come. The family spent nearly a year fundraising more than $34,000 for the trip to China to have the stem cell treatments done in the hope that Rylan, who is blind and autistic, would gain some sight and mobility and benefit from reduced autism symptoms. It seems much of that wish list has come true just weeks after returning from China, and the stem cells will keep working, Alison said. The stem cell injections in his eyes should keep working for at least six months, she said, noting one report from a parent … Continue reading →