Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
acquisition of different fates by stem cells. While local environmental differences
play an important role in this generation of “neural diversity,” it was found that
intrinsic differences between stem cells are also critical [
6
]. Part of the reason why
different types of cells are generated in different regions of the nervous system is that
intrinsically different types of stem cells are present in different regions of the ner-
vous system. To understand the molecular basis for the regional patterning of neural
stem cell function, scientists are studying how these differences are encoded.
An understanding of the mechanisms that regulate organogenesis from stem cells
will make it possible to identify molecular links between stem cell function and
disease. Scientists have combined gene expression profiling with reverse genetics
and analyses of stem cell function in the hematopoietic and nervous systems to
identify mechanisms that regulate organogenesis from stem cells and that lead to
congenital disease when defective. For instance, Hirschsprung disease is a relatively
common birth defect characterized by a failure to form enteric ganglia in the hindgut.
It was found that it is caused by mutations in two pathways [the glial cell-derived
neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and endothelin signaling pathways] that interact to
regulate the generation and migration of neural crest stem cells in the gut. Mutations
in these pathways lead to a failure to form the nervous system in the hindgut by
preventing neural crest stem cells from migrating into the hindgut [
7
] . These insights
raise the possibility of treating this disease with stem cell therapies that would
bypass these defects.
References
1. Pavlovic M, Balint B (2006) The use of stem cells to repair cardiac tissue. Anest Reanim
Transfuziol 34:129-150
2. Balint B, Pavlovic M (2006) Stem cells—biology, harvesting, extracorporeal purification and
some aspects of their clinical application. Bilt Transf 52(2-3):2-10
3. Balint B, Stamatovic D, Todorovic M, Jevtic M, Ostojic G, Pavlovic M, Lojpur Z, Jocic M
(2007) Stem cells in the arrangement of bone marrow repopulation and regenerative medicine.
Vojnosanit Pregl 64(7):481-484 (VSP)
4. Balint B, Pavlovic M, Jevtic M, Hrvacevic R, Ignjatovic L, Mijuskovic Z, Blagojevic R,
Trkuljic M (2007) Simple “Closed-cirquit” group-specific immunoadsorption system for
ABO-Incompatible kidney transplants. Transfus Apher Sci 36(3):225-233
5. Pavlovic M (2008) VSELs concept (Review). MNE Medica, No 1, Year I, 16-17, ref. p.43
6. Pavlovic M, Todorovic M, Todorovic V, Tyagi V, Balint B (2009) Adult stem cell research and
regenerative therapy in neurological diseases: limitations and perspectives Part I. Basic
research data necessary for understanding stem cell treatment approaches in neuro-regenera-
tive therapy. Anest Reanim Transfuziol 55(1-2):4-14
7. Pavlovic M, Todorovic M, Todorovic V, Tyagi V, Balint B (2009) Adult stem cell research and
regenerative therapy in neurological diseases: limitations and perspectives Part II Neurological
diseases and stem cell therapy. Anest Reanim Transfuziol 55(1-2):15-30
