Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11(9), 3288-3297; doi:10.3390/ijms11093288
Stem Cells and Neuroprotection: Understanding the Players
Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76011, USA
Received: 12 July 2010 / Revised: 12 August 2010 / Accepted: 1 September 2010 / Published: 15 September 2010
Abstract
The use of neuroprotective therapies begs the question of how such therapies could affect preexisting stem cell populations within the host, as well as those introduced through cell-replacement therapy. Multiple mechanisms may mediate stem cell responses to neuroprotectants such as host/donor age and gender, cellular lineage/differentiation status, and mitochondrial dynamics. Current therapeutic sources for stem cells are embryonic, somatic, or induced pluripotent, with very little known about the effects of gender, age, cell type, and mitochondrial dynamics. With the advent of therapies to stimulate and recruit endogenous stem cells or transplant donor cells into damage areas in the hopes of recuperative regeneration of lost neurons, it is important to discuss mechanisms that dictate the winning players in the neuroprotection game. This review will focus on our current understanding of the characteristics of renewing stem cells that may affect neuroprotection. View Full-TextKeywords:
stem cells; neuroprotection; gender specific; telomerase; mitochondria; renewal
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Pearce, V. Stem Cells and Neuroprotection: Understanding the Players. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11, 3288-3297.
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