Neural stem cell transplantation in the enteric nervous system: roadmaps and roadblocks

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is vulnerable to a variety of genetic, metabolic or environmental threats, resulting in clinical disorders characterized by loss or malfunction of neuronal elements. These disorders have been difficult to treat and there is much enthusiasm for novel therapies such as...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Neurogastroenterology and motility 2009-02, Vol.21 (2), p.103-112
Main Authors: Schäfer, K.‐h., Micci, M.‐a., Pasricha, P. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Embryonic Stem Cells - cytology
Embryonic Stem Cells - physiology
enteric nervous system
Enteric Nervous System - anatomy & histology
Enteric Nervous System - physiology
Humans
motility disorders
neural stem cells
Neurons - cytology
Neurons - metabolism
Neurons - pathology
Stem Cell Transplantation
transplantation
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Summary:The enteric nervous system (ENS) is vulnerable to a variety of genetic, metabolic or environmental threats, resulting in clinical disorders characterized by loss or malfunction of neuronal elements. These disorders have been difficult to treat and there is much enthusiasm for novel therapies such as neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation to restore ENS function in diseased segments of the gut. Recent research has indicated the potential for a variety of innovative approaches to this effect using NSC obtained from the central nervous system (CNS) as well as gut derived enteric neuronal progenitors. The main goal of this review is to summarize the current status of NSC research as it applies to the ENS, delineate a roadmap for effective therapeutic strategies using NSC transplantation and point out the numerous challenges that lie ahead.
ISSN:1350-1925
1365-2982
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2008.01257.x