New research supports brain cell transplantation as a treatment for some disorders

Astrocytes — named for their star-like shape — are a type of brain cell as abundant as neurons in the central nervous system, but little is known about their role in brain health and disease. A functioning brain requires healthy astrocytes, and finding strategies to heal or replace damaged astrocytes could help in the treatment of neurological diseases. We found that the transplanted astrocytes could survive for up to one year after transplantation, developing normally and integrating into the recipient brain just like the native astrocytes, with just minor differences. By answering principle questions regarding how transplanted astrocytes integrate in the host, our research can support the development of more effective cell therapies that can improve the quality of life of patients.