Stem-cell-based strategies for the treatment of parkinson's disease

Abstract

Background: Cell transplantation to replace lost neurons in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) offers a hopeful prospect for many patients. Previously, fetal grafts have been shown to survive, integrate and induce functional recovery in PD patients. However, limited tissue availability has haltered the widespread use of this therapy and begs the demand for alternative tissue sources. In this regard, stem cells may constitute one such source. Objective/Methods: In this review we outline various types of stem cells currently available and provide an overview of their possible application for PD. We address not only the obvious possibility of using stem cells in cell re..