A technique developed by researchers at University College in London has been found to potentially restore the function of muscles afflicted by motor neuron diseases or spinal cord injuries.
Researchers found that transplanting motor neurons created from stem cells into injured nerve branches in a patient had the potential to restore muscle movement. This laser treatment has been found to be more effective and less painful for patients who suffer neuromuscular diseases. With custom-tailored embryonic stem cells, the patients’ motor neurons have been found to function as part of a muscle “pacemaker” device. The implanted cells were infused with molecular light sensors and that allowed the researchers to control the motor neurons with flashes of blue light. With the device they could adjust muscle control by changing the intensity, duration and frequency of the light pulses they administered.
The research team found that as the transplanted motor neurons grew, so too did the injured nerves and they successfully connected with the patient’s paralyzed muscles. The studies have, so far, only been used in mice but shows promise for use in humans. It’s hoped that within less than a decade the technique could be used in humans to develop treatments for those with neurological diseases.
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