Skin Cells Transformed into Neurons for the First Time

In what could possibly be a breakthrough of wide-ranging proportions, researchers at Stanford University have turned human skin cells into working neurons. By using a process known as transdifferentiation, researchers were able to transform the skin cells into nerve cells. These new neurons were able to fire and form synapses onto other neurons.

While skin cells have been converted into other types of cells in the past (blood, liver, and heart), they could have a future purpose in regenerative therapies for disease’s such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s given the sheer numbers of skin cells available. Another advantage of these techniques is that it does not involve the use of stem cells, which would be one less obstacle if it were to be used in mainstream medicine.

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-05/researchers-transform-skin-cells-working-neurons-first-time

Written by: Justin Saranovic