Concise Review: Stem Cell Therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Recent Advances and Prospects for the Future. (17th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lunn, J. Simon; Sakowski, Stacey A.; Feldman, Eva L.
• Is Part Of: Stem cells. Volume 32:Number 5(2014:May)
• Page Start: 1099
• Page End: 1109
• Publication Date: 2014-04-17
• Subjects: Cell transplantation -- Cellular therapy -- Clinical translation -- Mesenchymal stem cells -- Neural stem cell -- Progenitor cells -- Stem cell transplantation -- Transplantation; Cloning -- Periodicals; Clone cells -- Periodicals; Stem cells -- Periodicals; Cell Differentiation -- Periodicals; Cell Division -- Periodicals; Clone Cells -- Periodicals; Hematopoietic Stem Cells -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Periodicals; 571.84
• DOI: 10.1002/stem.1628
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1066-5099

Abstract

Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal disease involving the loss of motor neurons. Although the mechanisms responsible for motor neuron degeneration in ALS remain elusive, the development of stem cell‐based therapies for the treatment of ALS has gained widespread support. Here, we review the types of stem cells being considered for therapeutic applications in ALS, and emphasize recent preclinical advances that provide supportive rationale for clinical translation. We also discuss early trials from around the world translating cellular therapies to ALS patients, and offer important considerations for future clinical trial design. Although clinical translation is still in its infancy, and additional insight into the mechanisms underlying therapeutic efficacy and the establishment of long‐term safety are required, these studies represent an important first step toward the development of effective cellular therapies for the treatment of ALS. Stem Cells 2014;32:1099–1109