Are stem cell-derived neural cells physiologically credible?

Abstract

The fast emerging technological advances that are enabling biologists to convert stem cells from various sources into an ever-increasing variety of cell types unquestionably will have far-reaching implications for the future of basic bioscientific research. In time, such technologies will also undoubtedly fundamentally change the nature of clinical intervention in multiple disease areas. Indeed stem cell-related therapies are already a widespread feature of the management of lymphoproliferative disorders and leukaemias and interventions in other diseases are increasingly being investigated both in preclinical studies and in formal clinical trials. [...]