Abstract
Current antiaging strategies focusing on druggable targets have met with relatively limited success to date. Replacement of cells, tissues, and organs could provide an alternative means for targeting age-induced damage and potentially eliminating some of it. However, before this is a viable option, numerous challenges need to be addressed. Most notably, whether the brain, which defines our self-identity, is amenable to replacement therapies is unclear. Here, we consider whether progressive cell replacement is a potential approach to reverse brain aging without grossly altering function. We focus mainly on the neocortex, seat of our highest cognitive functions, because of abundant knowledge on neocortical development, plasticity, and how the neocortex can functionally incorporate new neurons. We outline the primary challenges for brain cell replacement, and key areas that require further investigation.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Journal | Trends in Neurosciences |
| DOIs | |
| State | Accepted/In press - Jan 1 2018 |
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Keywords
- age-related damage
- neocortex
- neural stem cell
- regeneration
- rejuvenation
- transplant
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)
Cite this
Cell Replacement to Reverse Brain Aging : Challenges, Pitfalls, and Opportunities. / Hebert, Jean M.; Vijg, Jan.
In: Trends in Neurosciences, 01.01.2018.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Cell Replacement to Reverse Brain Aging
T2 - Challenges, Pitfalls, and Opportunities
AU - Hebert, Jean M.
AU - Vijg, Jan
PY - 2018/1/1
Y1 - 2018/1/1
N2 - Current antiaging strategies focusing on druggable targets have met with relatively limited success to date. Replacement of cells, tissues, and organs could provide an alternative means for targeting age-induced damage and potentially eliminating some of it. However, before this is a viable option, numerous challenges need to be addressed. Most notably, whether the brain, which defines our self-identity, is amenable to replacement therapies is unclear. Here, we consider whether progressive cell replacement is a potential approach to reverse brain aging without grossly altering function. We focus mainly on the neocortex, seat of our highest cognitive functions, because of abundant knowledge on neocortical development, plasticity, and how the neocortex can functionally incorporate new neurons. We outline the primary challenges for brain cell replacement, and key areas that require further investigation.
AB - Current antiaging strategies focusing on druggable targets have met with relatively limited success to date. Replacement of cells, tissues, and organs could provide an alternative means for targeting age-induced damage and potentially eliminating some of it. However, before this is a viable option, numerous challenges need to be addressed. Most notably, whether the brain, which defines our self-identity, is amenable to replacement therapies is unclear. Here, we consider whether progressive cell replacement is a potential approach to reverse brain aging without grossly altering function. We focus mainly on the neocortex, seat of our highest cognitive functions, because of abundant knowledge on neocortical development, plasticity, and how the neocortex can functionally incorporate new neurons. We outline the primary challenges for brain cell replacement, and key areas that require further investigation.
KW - age-related damage
KW - neocortex
KW - neural stem cell
KW - regeneration
KW - rejuvenation
KW - transplant
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85042907304&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85042907304&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.tins.2018.02.008
DO - 10.1016/j.tins.2018.02.008
M3 - Article
C2 - 29548515
AN - SCOPUS:85042907304
JO - Trends in Neurosciences
JF - Trends in Neurosciences
SN - 0378-5912
ER -