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Review
. 2011 Oct;8(4):591-606.
doi: 10.1007/s13311-011-0068-7.

Stem cell transplantation for motor neuron disease: current approaches and future perspectives

Genevieve Gowing  1 , Clive N Svendsen
Affiliations
Review

Stem cell transplantation for motor neuron disease: current approaches and future perspectives

Genevieve Gowing et al. Neurotherapeutics. 2011 Oct.

Abstract

Motor neuron degeneration leading to muscle atrophy and death is a pathological hallmark of disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal muscular atrophy. No effective treatment is available for these devastating diseases. At present, cell-based therapies targeting motor neuron replacement, support, or as a vehicle for the delivery of neuroprotective molecules are being investigated. Although many challenges and questions remain, the beneficial effects observed following transplantation therapy in animal models of motor neuron disease has sparked hope and a number of clinical trials. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of cell-based therapeutics for motor neuron disorders, with a particular emphasis on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematic representation of possible therapeutic approaches for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron disorders. CNS = central nervous system; ES embryonic stem cells; iPS = induced pluripotent stem cells; MSCs = mesenchymal stem cells
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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