Neuromodulation-Based Stem Cell Therapy in Brain Repair: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Ti-Fei Yuan1,2,3 • Yi Dong4 • Li Zhang5,6 • Jieyu Qi7 • Chun Yao3,8 • Yongjun Wang3,8 • Renjie Chai3,7 • Yan Liu3,9 • Kwok-Fai So2,5,6
1 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
2 State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, the University of Hong Kong, Jiulong, Hong Kong SAR, China
3 Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
Abstract
Stem cell transplantation holds a promising future for central nervous system repair. Current challenges, however, include spatially and temporally defined cell differentiation and maturation, plus the integration of transplanted neural cells into host circuits. Here we discuss the potential advantages of neuromodulation-based stem cell therapy, which can improve the viability and proliferation of stem cells, guide migration to the repair site, orchestrate the differentiation process, and promote the integration of neural circuitry for functional rehabilitation. All these advantages of neuromodulation make it one potentially valuable tool for further improving the efficiency of stem cell transplantation.
Keywords
Stem cell; Rehabilitation; Neuromodulation; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Transcranial direct current stimulation; Deep brain stimulation
