Almost 20 years ago, neuroscientist Magdalena G枚tz attempted the impossible: creating brand-new neurons in the brain. The mouse brain to be exact. Her approach? She鈥檇 convert brain cells known as glial cells into neurons.
G枚tz was a pioneer in changing cells from one type to another. Now, she has helped launch the first-ever conference on cellular reprogramming, differentiating, repair, and regeneration. G枚tz says 黑料吃瓜资源 (CSHL) was the perfect location for the inaugural Cell State Conversions meeting. She worked with CSHL Executive Director David Stewart to organize the gathering.
鈥淐ellular reprogramming is mostly relevant for organs where there is no natural turnover,鈥� G枚tz explains. 鈥淥ur skin is replaced every couple of days, but in our brain, there are no new neurons made or very few. The same is actually the case in the lung. So there is a huge need for cell replacement therapy.鈥�
Stewart notes that in recent years, 鈥淏iologists have made great strides in developing individualized regenerative cell therapy.鈥� CSHL scientists working to advance the field include Professor Christopher Vakoc. Earlier this year, Vakoc discovered a way to convert rhabdomyosarcoma cells into healthy tissue.
By gathering the world鈥檚 leading experts under one roof, more discoveries may yet emerge. 鈥淪o many diseases are due to lost cells,鈥� as are 鈥渉eart attacks,鈥� says G枚tz. 鈥淩eprogramming is really opening up an entirely new area.鈥�
Written by: Luis Sandoval, Communications Specialist | [email protected] | 516-367-6826