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Brain Transplant
27 January 2013

Brain Transplant

Brain transplants may seem like science fiction but for Huntington’s disease patients the concept brings hope. This progressive disorder is caused by the loss of neurons [brain cells] that die in response to the build up of a toxic mutant protein. If scientists could replace the lost cells with those containing a normal protein is it possible they could lessen the symptoms? Such an innovative technique is risky so must be tested in a model system to show that the treatment works and is safe. The picture shows such a model: human stem cells – with the capability to become any cell – were cultivated into neurons and then transplanted (stained green) into the region of a rat’s brain (shown in red) worst affected by a form of Huntington’s. The research is still at an early stage but has potential as a treatment for more common brain disorders such as dementia.

Written by Julie Webb

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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