A team of University of Galway neuroscientists have made a significant breakthrough in optimising stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease is a promising but developing approach that aims to replace dopamine-producing neurons lost in the brain. These neurons control movement, and their decline causes tremors, stiffness, and slowness.
Now, researchers have pioneered an innovative hydrogel solution that boosts the efficacy of stem cell brain repair treatment.
With around 8.5 million people living with Parkinson’s disease worldwide, the hydrogel could have profound effects on patient outcomes and quality of life.
Current treatment options for Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease has no cure, but there are several approaches to manage its symptoms and improve quality of life.
Medication is a mainstay. Many of these leading drugs work by being converted to dopamine in the brain. This is an effective strategy but can lead to fluctuations in response. Additionally, drugs such as dopamine agonists work by mimicking dopamine’s action.
Surgery becomes an option for some in later stages. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) implants electrodes in the brain to regulate abnormal signals. This can significantly reduce tremors, rigidity, and stiffness.
Supportive therapies also play a crucial role. Regular exercise helps maintain mobility and coordination, while physical, occupational, and speech therapies can improve daily activities and communication.
However, among these treatment options, stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease emerges as a promising method to restore damage caused by the condition.
How does stem cell brain repair work?
Repairing the brain in Parkinson’s disease entails the replacement of deceased cells through the transplantation of healthy brain cells.
Recent strides in regenerative medicine and stem cell technology have introduced the utilisation of ‘induced stem cells’ derived from adult cells, such as skin cells, as a viable source for these healthy cells.
These induced stem cells undergo laboratory reprogramming to transform into the specific type of brain cell necessary for mending the Parkinson’s-afflicted brain.
Yet, the process encounters a challenge: the skin cells reprogrammed into brain cells must be transplanted at an early developmental stage to maximise their effectiveness.
Unfortunately, once transplanted into the brain, the majority of these cells fail to continue converting into the mature cells crucial for therapeutic success.
Improving treatment outcomes with hydrogel
University scientists have now demonstrated that transplanting immature cells within a collagen hydrogel vastly enhances both their survival rate and maturation within the brain.
Professor Eilís Dowd, the lead neuroscientist on the project, explained: “Our hydrogel nurtures, supports, and protects the cells after they are transplanted into the brain, and this dramatically improves their maturation and reparative ability.
“Ultimately, we hope that continued development of this promising gel will lead to a significant improvement in brain repair approaches for people living with Parkinson’s.”
Recognising the significance of this advancement, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has allocated $300,000 to further the development of this hydrogel technology.
This innovative approach holds the potential to dramatically improve treatment outcomes, offering renewed hope for millions worldwide affected by this condition.
