Scientists Demonstrate Flexibility of Progenitor Cells in Brain Growth

In a finding that may be useful for repairing damaged nerve tissue, researchers have demonstrated the flexibility of select brain cells that, unlike most nerve tissue, continue to grow well into adulthood.

A team led by neuroscientist Fred Gage at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla reported in the Oct. 17 issue of the journal Nature that external cues--chemical and electrical signals--from different parts of the adult nervous system can affect the development and function of special neurons called progenitor cells that can mature into many different types of nerve cells.

By manipulating neural cues, researchers may eventually be able to control the function of the budding brain cells. The work offers new insights into potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s, they said.