Neural: Existing or Potential Regenerative Medicine Strategies

Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types through external stimuli. One such cell type is the neural stem cell. Neural stem cells are self-renewing, largely undifferentiated cells spawning from the central nervous system (CNS). Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to produce offspring cells that may differentiate into neurons and glial cells (cells that insulate neurons and enhance the speed at which neurons send signals). Neural stem cells serve an integral role in cognitive function. Innovations in regenerative medicine hold the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), and Parkinson’s disease.