Dopaminergic Stem Cells created from our own skin are still diseased?

[NextStage]

A few days ago, a post was put up with a link to "Stem Cells 101". Towards the bottom of the document was the following:

Are there other uses for stem cells?

We’ve already discussed how stem cells can be used for cell therapy but stem cells have many other uses, some of which will be important for Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases.

Disease Modeling – Stem cells, and in particular iPSCs, made from someone with a particular disease show hallmarks of that disease when the cells are differentiated into the cell type affected by the disease. For example, it is well-established that people with Parkinson’s disease show an abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein in their brain. iPSCs derived from Parkinson’s patients that are differentiated to dopaminergic neurons also produce abnormally large amounts of α-synuclein.

This is the link to the document:

summitforstemcell.org/stem-...

Has anyone else heard this? Does anyone know of any proof that this is either true or false?

[MarionP]

Don't know, but I do know that in general if you have a DNA mutation, it is replicated in any cells produced downline.

[JayPwP]

I read somewhere 'DNA loads the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger'

[Ghmac]

I am not sure if this is the answer you are looking for, but there is a biopsy that is called Syn-One Test® - A doctor assesses test results alongside other in-office tests and present symptoms to confirm a Parkinson's diagnosis. If you already have aabnormal synuclein in your skin, I assume creating stem cells from your own skin might not be good? I know nothing, these are just my thoughts.

[Mezmerric]

An interesting thought - while the cells contain the same DNA I can’t see why they start off ‘diseased’. More likely they become damaged over time due to the normal progression of oxidative and mitochondria stress typical of PD, In this manner, stem cells are not a ‘cure’ but hopes to address the symptoms of fewer dopamine cells. Though, I question whether it will reverse these symptons rather than slow progression - as presumably it will not desynchronise existing nuerons.