gene that may control human brain cell formation

["M.Schild" <mmoo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

OHSU researchers find gene that may control human brain cell formation


Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Researchers at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center in Hillsboro
have discovered a gene that appears to control how stem cells become brain
cells. The finding will affect the studies of Parkinson's disease, brain and
spinal cord injury and the possibility of fighting other conditions or
diseases by replacing lost or damaged brain cells.
 "In the early stages of brain development prior to birth, brain stem cells,
also known as neural stem cells, will differentiate into neurons," explained
Larry Sherman, an associate scientist in the neuroscience division at the
primate center and an associate professor of cell and developmental biology
in the OHSU School of Medicine.
 "In later stages, these same stem cells suddenly start becoming glial cells,
which perform a number of functions that include supporting the neurons. We
wanted to find out what factors cause this switch and to determine if the
process can be controlled and used as a possible therapy. What amazed us is
that it turns out a single gene may be responsible for this incredibly
important task."

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