University of Adelaide researcher Dr. Kylie Ellis has made an unusual discovery: stem cells from teeth can grow into brain-like cells. The research was conducted by Dr. Kylie Ellis, Commercial Development Manager, during her Physiology PhD studies at the University, and the results were published in the Stem Cell Research & Therapy journal.

"Stem cells from teeth have great potential to grow into new brain or nerve cells, and this could potentially assist with treatments of brain disorders, such as stroke.” Dr. Ellis explains.

Granted, these cells do not become fully developed neurons, but researchers are convinced, with the right conditions, they someday could.

"The reality is, treatment options available to the thousands of stroke patients every year are limited," Dr Ellis says. "The primary drug treatment available must be administered within hours of a stroke and many people don't have access within that timeframe, because they often can't seek help for some time after the attack. Ultimately, we want to be able to use a patient's own stem cells for tailor-made brain therapy that doesn't have the host rejection issues commonly associated with cell-based therapies. Another advantage is that dental pulp stem cell therapy may provide a treatment option available months or even years after the stroke has occurred," she explains.

So what’s the next step? Treating humans. Dr. Ellis and her colleagues, Professors Simon Koblar, David O’Carroll and Stan Gronthos have been working to make this a reality.

"We can do this by providing an environment for the cells that is as close to a normal brain environment as possible, so that instead of becoming cells for teeth they become brain cells," Dr Ellis says. "What we developed wasn't identical to normal neurons, but the new cells shared very similar properties to neurons. They also formed complex networks and communicated through simple electrical activity, like you might see between cells in the developing brain."

Ultimately, Dr. Ellis and her team would like to use stem cells for "tailor-made brain therapy that doesn't have the host rejection issues commonly associated with cell-based therapies."

The above story is based on information from: University of Adelaide. (2014, April 30). Stem cells from teeth can make brain-like cells. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 12, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140430192527.htm

Photo: dental pulp stem cell-derived brain-like cells from mice form complex networks.
Image credit: Dr. Kylie Ellis, University of Adelaide

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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