Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2014, Vol. 9 ›› Issue (6): 577-578.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.130089

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Dental pulp stem cells, a paracrine-mediated therapy for the retina

Ben Mead 1, 2, Ann Logan 1, Martin Berry 1, Wendy Leadbeater 1, Ben A. Scheven 2
   

  1. 1 Neurotrauma and Neurodegeneration Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
    2 School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B4 6NN, United Kingdom
  • Received:2014-02-26 Online:2014-03-22 Published:2014-03-22
  • Contact: Ben Mead, Molecular Neuroscience Group, Neurotrauma and Neurodegeneration Section, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom, BXM813@bham.ac.uk.
  • Supported by:

    The studentship of Ben Mead was funded by the BBSRC (grant number BB/F017553/1) and the Rosetrees Trust.

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Abstract:

Injury to the retina and optic nerve leads to irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and irreparable damage to their axons which ultimately leads to blindness. Providing a sustained source of neurotrophic growth factors is required to promote their survival and regeneration. Transplanted dental pulp stem cells secrete multiple growth factors which protect RGCs from death after optic nerve injury and promote regeneration of their axons.