Experimental design stage 1 of olfactory stem cell (OSC) replacement.
About
Like all other neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's Disease is fundamentally a disease of neuron damage and loss. Replacing the injured neurons with exogenous stem cells thus seems a rational therapeutic strategy, and likely the only hope for affected individuals.
Olfactory stem cells undergo constant neurogenesis to preserve the sense of smell and retain regenerative capacity throughout adult life. Moreover, these cells are capable of migrating long distances in vivo and not only surviving but rectifying the toxic microenvironment of the injured brain, making them ideal candidates for cell replacement therapy. This study will investigate olfactory stem cells potential for patient-specific stem cell replacement therapy for Alzheimer's Disease.
Study Outcomes
The outcomes from this study will demonstrate the capacity of olfactory stem cells to differentiate and integrate in vitro and in vivo, especially via the less invasive lumbar puncture delivery. We will also assess the effect of brain stimulation on the efficacy of transplantation and model this effect with a computational approach. Most crucially, we will assess their ability to regenerate and restore function in a natural animal model of dementia. These experiments will provide essential evidence for moving cell replacement therapy forward to human clinical trials.