Ole Isacson

For some time it has been suspected that embryonic stem cells, transplanted to the substantia nigra of Parkinson’s suffers, might not survive long enough to have real therapeutic value.  But recently, a study suggest that is not true: “Our findings show a robust expression of dopamine transporters and a lack of abnormal mitochondrial morphology in implanted dopamine neurons for at least 14 years after transplantation,” said Ole Isacson of Harvard University and McLean Hospital. “Our data therefore suggest that transplanted dopamine neurons can remain healthy and functional for decades.” MORE

Image Credit:  Harvard