A joint research team from the University of California and several Swiss universities has unveiled a promising technique that could revolutionize stroke treatment by reprogramming blood cells into neural stem cells capable of repairing damaged tissue. The study results were published in Nature Communications.
According to the researchers, transplanting stem cells one week after a stroke stimulates the growth of new cells and improves the performance of damaged brain areas. The team successfully reprogrammed human blood cells into neurons and injected them into the affected brain regions of experimental mice.
After five weeks, the results showed reduced inflammation, strengthened blood vessels, improved neural connections, and decreased blood leakage across the blood–brain barrier. The transplanted cells mainly transformed into inhibitory neurons, which helped restore brain function.
The researchers recorded significant improvements in walking and full recovery of fine motor skills in the mice, using advanced computer-based analysis systems.
The team emphasized that these findings could open new horizons for patients who are unable to receive emergency treatment in time. They also stated that further studies are underway to examine the long-term effects and to explore the potential for adapting the approach for clinical use in humans.
