Cell Fusions and Neuron Inflammation

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Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have been able to determine that inflammation can trigger certain blood cells to fuse with certain types of brain neurons. After this fusion, blood cells are able to 'express' neuron specific genes. These cells, known as heterokaryons, may help to protect neurons against injury and damage and further research into cell mediated gene therapy. The specific types of blood cells that are able to fuse are called bone marrow derived blood cells, also known as blood stem cells, a.k.a. hematopoietic stem cells. These are very special cells that help to form all blood and immune cells found within the body. Although scientists have known that these special cells can fuse with other cell types within the body, it doesn't occur often. However, findings that chronic or long-term inflammation can trigger these bone marrow derived blood cells to fuse with certain types of neurons up to 100 times more often than earlier believed opens the doors to new avenues of neural research.

Researchers are collaborating with others at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver to use the technique studying transplants of blood stem cells in mice. Researchers were able to study the fusion between these blood cells in the neurons approximately 6 months post surgery, and found that many of the blood cells had been too regenerated. Such studies will continue and provide hope for patients suffering from neural and brain damage and functions.

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