INTRODUCTION:

Mesenchymal stem cells are cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into mesen-chymal lineages and even cells of non-mesenchymal origin, such as those of nerve tissue. Taking into account the suitability of these cells to differentiate into neurons, they have been used for therapeutic purposes since they are able to restore neurons that deteriorate in various neurodegenerative diseases.

OBJECTIVE:

To inform and to compare the methods most used to induce mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into neurons and to mention the advantages and disadvantages of each of these.

DEVELOPMENT:

The first methodology to induce neural differentiation was used in 1999 and since then, chemical compounds, growth factors, synthetic compounds have been used, among other methods to differentiate this type of cells into neuronal lineage. The problem is that some of these methodologies are toxic to cells, expensive or have other side effects.

CONCLUSION:

The choice of one of these methods depends on the interests and the conditions that each researcher has. In addition, it is indispensable to know the shortcomings that we have in this field of research with the purpose of continuing with the search for alternatives that do not have disadvantages, if not by the contrary, gather all the advantages of the methods mentioned here.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )