An international research effort involving scientists from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, the University of Zurich, and ETH Zurich has demonstrated the potential of stem cell transplantation to regenerate damaged brain tissue and restore function following a stroke.
The study, published in Nature Communications, utilized induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that were transformed into neural stem cells. When transplanted into mice that had experienced a permanent stroke, these neural stem cells led to significant regeneration of affected brain tissue after five weeks. A majority of the transplanted cells differentiated into neurons and began communicating with existing brain cells. The treated mice also showed reduced blood-brain barrier leakage and substantial recovery in fine motor skills, as observed in walking and climbing tests.
Notably, the research indicated that stem cell transplantation was more effective when administered a week after the stroke, during the subacute phase. This timing is particularly relevant for addressing long-term disabilities and could simplify therapeutic preparation and implementation in clinical settings. This approach offers hope, especially considering that nearly nine out of ten strokes are ischemic, caused by restricted blood flow, and current treatments like clot-busting drugs have a very narrow therapeutic window.
The research team is continuing to investigate methods to enhance the activity of identified pathways and observe the long-term effects of these transplanted cells in mice. While human trials are still some time away, this preclinical work is foundational for future advancements in regenerative therapies for stroke, potentially improving the quality of life for affected individuals. In Catalonia, approximately 14,000 strokes occur annually, underscoring the significant need for such innovative treatments.