What are Stem Cells?
Date Posted: 27.03.2012
Stem cell research is a novel area of research that has fuelled hope of a treatment for a variety of conditions including MND. Much of the excitement surrounding stem cell research arose from the idea that embryonic stem cells, which have the potential to grow into any type of cell, could possibly be used to replace diseased neurones. However, there are many unanswered questions surrounding the use of stem cells in MND. For example: How can we direct new neurones to make the correct connections? How can we replace motor neurones that may be up to a metre long when the new cells can only grow extremely slowly? Although the use of stem cell therapy for MND may eventually be possible, the general perception among scientists and clinicians in the MND research community is that the research is not currently sufficiently well advanced.
In Ireland, embryonic stem cell research is currently not allowed. The UK is currently one of the world leaders in embryonic stem cell research.
Source : www.mnda.ie