Stem cell based therapies to treat muscular dystrophy

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta Vol. 1772; no. 2; pp. 272 - 283
• Main Authors: Price, F.D., Kuroda, K., Rudnicki, M.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.02.2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Cell therapy; Humans; Muscular Dystrophies - therapy; Muscular dystrophy; Regenerative medicine; Skeletal muscle; Stem cell; Stem Cell Transplantation - methods; Stem Cell Transplantation - trends; Stem Cells; Cell therapy; Regenerative medicine; Stem cell; Muscular dystrophy; Skeletal muscle; Life Sciences
• ISSN: 0925-4439; 0006-3002; 1879-260X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2006.08.011

Muscular dystrophies comprise a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders, characterized by progressive muscle wasting, for which no satisfactory treatment exists. Multiple stem cell populations, both of adult or embryonic origin, display myogenic potential and have been assayed for their ability to correct the dystrophic phenotype. To date, many of these described methods have failed, underlying the need to identify the mechanisms controlling myogenic potential, homing of donor populations to the musculature, and avoidance of the immune response. Recent results focus on the fresh isolation of satellite cells and the use of multiple growth factors to promote mesangioblast migration, both of which promote muscle regeneration. Throughout this chapter, various stem cell based therapies will be introduced and evaluated based on their potential to treat muscular dystrophy in an effective and efficient manner.