December 1, 2024

Reprogramming Astrocytes: Unlocking DLX2’s Potential to Mend the Brain

When researchers screen for particles with regenerative potential, they make every effort to recognize those that convert brain cells into neural progenitor cells that generate numerous cell types. “We utilized a bioinformatic tool called pseudotime analysis and we might see that the astrocytes initially become progenitor cells, progenitor cells become neuroblasts, then immature nerve cells, and then a little quantity become mature neurons,” Zhang said. Such studies, Zhang also plans to combine DLX2 with other cell fate figuring out elements to coax a progenitor cell into forming numerous neuronal subtypes. W. Tai et al., “Regeneration through in vivo cell fate reprogramming for neural repair work,” Front in Cell Neurosci, 14:107, 2020. W. Tai et al., “In vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia enables adult neurogenesis and practical recovery following back cord injury,” Cell Stem Cell, 28( 5 ):923 -937.

Scientists reprogram glial cell astrocytes into stem cells that restore the brain.When nerve cells die, the brain can not change them. When scientists screen for molecules with regenerative capacity, they make every effort to determine those that convert brain cells into neural progenitor cells that produce numerous cell types. W. Tai et al., “In vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia enables adult neurogenesis and functional healing following back cable injury,” Cell Stem Cell, 28( 5 ):923 -937.