We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Transformed Stem Cells Provide New Platform to Study Parkinson's Disease

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 23 Dec 2009
Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) that have been induced to transform into dopamine neurons have been adapted as a platform to study the role of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) in the progression of Parkinson's disease.

Investigators at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Stockholm, Sweden) had previously shown that certain RXR ligands could protect dopamine neurons from the neurodegenerative effects of Parkinson's disease. More...
In the current study, they established a new in vitro system to better explore the interaction between RXR and the disease.

To this end, the investigators grew cultures of mESCs together with rat primary ventral midbrain (vMB) neurons. Under these conditions the mESCs transformed into dopamine producing neuron-like cells.

Results published in the December 11, 2009, online edition of the journal BMC Neuroscience revealed that the RXR ligand LG100268 (LG268) and the RXR-Nurr1 ligand XCT0139508 (XCT) rescued dopamine neurons from degeneration caused by the Parkinson's disease simulating toxin 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA) as well as hypoxia. The protective effect was selective for dopamine neurons. Dopamine neurons from rat primary vMB and mESCs behaved similarly, but the mESC-derived cultures contained a much higher fraction of dopamine cells, and thus provided more accessible experimental conditions.

Senior author Dr. Susanna Kjellander, professor of pharmacy at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, said, "Nuclear hormone receptors like RXR and the Nurr1-RXR receptor heterodimer are emerging as interesting factors in Parkinson's research. It is unclear exactly how neurons are damaged in Parkinson's disease, but it is suggested that oxidative damage and energy depletion in the brain are involved. By activating RXR, neurons can be rescued from this degeneration."

Related Links:

Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research


Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Nucleic Acid Extractor System
NEOS-96 XT
New
Slide Scanner System
NanoZoomer S540MD
HPV Test
Allplex HPV28 Detection
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample

Respiratory tract infections can be difficult to distinguish at presentation because many cause overlapping, nonspecific symptoms and are initially grouped as influenza-like illnesses. Causes span a range... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.