In article <45322.minn at ctrmed.u-nancy.fr>, <minn at ctrmed.u-nancy.fr> wrote:
> On Thu, 24 Nov 1994 22:43:35 -0800,
> Robert Dean Williams <bobcat at gladstone.uoregon.edu> wrote:
>> >Hello everyone,
> >
> > I am doing some research on application of new nerve cells. Is
> >there any information about cloning nerve cells or making artificial
> >nerves? The reason I would like to know is the possibility of replacing
> >damaged nerves with new cloned cells or artificial cells. Let me know if
> >there are some research going on with this subject.
> >
> >Thanks...Robert.
> >
>> To my knowledge, there is presently no way to obtain cloned neurons...
>> Alain MINN ! Tél.: (33) 83 17 88 30
> Centre du Médicament ! Fax : (33) 83 32 13 22
> 30 rue Lionnois ! E-mail minn at ctrmed.u-nancy.fr> 54000 NANCY
I have to disagree. Both PC12 cell lines and MAH cells can be induced to
form neurons, and both are clonal cell lines. There is no way they can be
used for human therapy in the forseeable future, however, as both are rodent
derived lines, both form neurons at a low frequency (most cells die during
induction) and both contain exogenous oncogenes.
I am sure that there are plenty of people working on using neuronal precursors
as a means of replacing damaged nerves. I doubt any of them would be willing
to discuss there research at this time.
BTW, Dr. Williams, by damaged nerves, I take it you mean damage to the
peripheral sensory nervous system, as in diabetes, or do you mean damaged
motor nerves? The question is different depending on whether we are discussing
the peripheral or the central nervous system.
Regards,
Pat White (squirrel at cco.caltech.edu: I don't know what address this reader
will give.)
--
Eric H. Mercer California Institute of Technology
Division of BIology; 216-76 Pasadena, CA 91125
(818) 356-6822 Mercer at SeqVax.CalTech.Edu
