Neuronal stem cells

Abstract

Stem cells are self regenerating multipotential cells, found in the human brain which have the potential to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and to self renew sufficiently to provide adequate number of cells in the brain. Neural stem cell grafts have been studied in a variety of animal models for various diseases like metabolic disorders, muscular dystrophies, neurodegenerative disorders, spinal cord repair, brain tumors and demyelinating disease. Stem cells may be derived from autologus, allogeneic or xenogenic sources. Histocompatibility is prerequisite for transplantation of allogeneic stem cells. Fetal tissue is the best current tissue source for human neural stem cells, however ethical issues are a major concern. Thus the prospect that stem cells could potentially be used to promote neurogenesis following injury and disease may seem attractive, yet the inherent problems associated with isolation and rejection in case of stem cells from another source, the potential to form tumors and ethical issues are the major challenges.