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One type of cell can be converted to another, say a skin cell to a neuron, by means of a procedure whereby the skin cell is transformed into a “pluripotent” stem cell, subsequently developed into a neuron. MIT researchers have created a simple technique that converts a skin cell directly into a neuron, therefore avoiding the stem cell stage.
Using mouse cells, the scientists devised a very effective conversion technique capable of generating more than ten neurons from one skin cell. Large numbers of motor neurons generated if this method were duplicated in human cells could be used to treat spinal cord injuries or disorders hindering mobility.
The researchers were able to reach yields whereby they could probe if these cells might make suitable candidates for the cell replacement treatments. These kinds of reprogramming techniques can get them there.
The first step toward using these cells as a therapeutic was shown by the researchers’ ability to create motor neurons and transplant them into mouse brains where they merged with host tissue.
Two papers outlining the novel technique show up in Cell Systems.
Sources:
Proliferation history and transcription factor levels drive direct conversion to motor neurons, Cell Systems (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2025.101205. www.cell.com/cell-systems/full … 2405-4712(25)00038-9
Compact transcription factor cassettes generate functional, engraftable motor neurons by direct conversion, Cell Systems (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2025.101206. www.cell.com/cell-systems/full … 2405-4712(25)00039-0
https://phys.org/news/2025-03-skin-cells-neurons-cell-therapy.html
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