Our Research
Neural stem cells (NSCs) hold great promise to repair the damaged central nervous system (CNS), including the brain, spinal cord, and eye (retina). NSCI’s research applies to many diseases and injuries of the CNS including Frontotemporal Dementia, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Spinal Cord Injury. At NSCI, we are using stem cells to produce new therapies for patients.
Disease modeling.
We use patient-derived stem cells to recreate nervous system diseases ‘in the culture dish’ to study what causes the disease and how we can slow or prevent disease progression. We use these novel model systems to identify new drug targets and therapeutic approaches.
Cell replacement.
NSCI researchers are exploring how stem cells can replace CNS cells that are unhealthy due to disease or damage. Using stem cells, we have generated essential cell types such as Retinal Pigment Epithelium cells, neurons and glia from different brain regions and spinal cord. Our goal is to use these cells as therapies to help repair the nervous system.
Stimulation of resident stem cells.
Stem and progenitor cells exist in the adult nervous system and can mediate repair in lower animals that regenerate brain tissue or even re-grow an eye. These cells are inhibited in higher animals like mice and humans. NSCI researchers have discovered that implanting growth factor releasing microbeads improves walking in spinal cord injured mice. We are applying this approach to a variety of injuries and diseases that damage our nervous system.
Our Research Programs
Our research, funded by the National Institute of Health, NYS research programs, and private foundations, have led to amazing discoveries that are published in respected journals and on their way toward use in the clinic.
Aging.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
Brain disease.
- Autism
- Neuropathy
- Mental Disorders
Eye disease.
- Macular Degeneration
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
Traumatic brain injury.
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Brain Injury/Stroke