Release date: 2018-06-28
Human blood immune cells and brain neurons are two completely different cells, and there are huge differences in shape and function. However, a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that blood cells can be transformed into brain cells.
Dr. Maris Warnig, associate professor of pathology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and his research team focused on T cells. T cells are white blood cells that play an important role in destroying pathogens in the immune system. After adding four kinds of proteins and using "transformation and differentiation technology", T cells can be transformed into patients' own neurons in a short time.
Dr. Voige said that it takes only a few days to successfully convert T cells into functional neurons. T cells are special immune cells in a circular shape, while neurons have slender tails. It is unbelievable that T cells can successfully transform into neurons. This cell transformation technology will help study the brains of patients through blood samples, especially neurons that can be used to study schizophrenia and autism, in order to better understand the root causes of these diseases and find possible cures.
However, new research has also found that transformed neurons fail to form the mature synapses (spaces between neurons) necessary for cell interaction. In this regard, Dr. Warnier said that the next research goal is to improve and improve this cell transformation technology. Currently, the research team has begun collecting blood samples from children with autism.
Source: Life Times
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