Mark Denham
Genetically modifying stem cells could be the solution to improving highly-anticipated Parkinson’s disease therapy
Lineage restriction doubles the number of dopaminergic neurons in the treatment
Assoc. Prof. Mark Denham and his team from Aarhus University have developed and patented a powerful technique to produce dopaminergic neurons of high purity with minimal presence of other unwanted cell types. The technique of ‘lineage restriction’ allows the scientists to modify the genetic code of pluripotent stem cells and direct the cells towards the right destination: specifically, to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. With this technology, Denham’s group is able to produce double the quantity of the cells of interest.
“There’s an inherent inconsistency in the cell products that are currently being produced and tested, with labs conducting transplantations comprising 10-15% dopaminergic neurons in the brain. We have been able to improve that by over two-fold.”
Learn more about TMark Denham's Frontier Grant:
Replacement cell therapy is expected to land a powerful blow against the progressive, neurodegenerative Parkinson’s disease, and...
