Stem Cell-Based Approaches in Parkinson’s Disease Research

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor symptoms. While current treatments provide limited relief, they don't alter disease progression. Stem cell technology, involving patient-specific stem cell-derived neurons, offers a promising avenue for research and personalized regenerative therapies. This article reviews the potential of stem cell-based research in PD, summarizing ongoing efforts, their limitations, and introducing innovative research models. The integration of stem cell technology and advanced models promises to enhance our understanding and treatment strategies for PD.

SARS-CoV-2 infection exacerbates the cellular pathology of Parkinson’s disease in human dopaminergic neurons and a mouse model

“…The critical task at hand is determining whether this activation ultimately correlates with behavioral changes, such as motor function decline in PD models, especially during periods relevant to human aging. We expect that advancements in technology, including the utilization of recent stem cell or organoid models to simulate the onset and progression of PD, 56 , 57 , 58 along with the incorporation of human glial cells, 59 will facilitate studies in uncovering more precise mechanisms in the future. Our study established α-Syn as a preexisting risk factor for the exacerbation of PD progression induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection.…”

Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Alzheimer’s Disease: Pitfalls and Challenges of Anti-Amyloid Therapies and Beyond

“…Due to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties, stem cells (SCs) can yield enduring benefits for patients with AD, as exemplified in recent studies on other NDDs, such as ALS and PD [ 211 , 212 , 213 ], serving as a springboard for further exploration and application of this approach across other disorders. Overall, there are four major SC types potentially usable for AD treatment, namely neural, mesenchymal, embryonic, and induced pluripotent SCs, but currently, only the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are tested in AD patients [ 214 ].…”