Brain Studied by Investigating Nose Stem Cells

The stem cells in the brain are similar to those deep within the nose, Australian scientists have discovered in a new study.

Research team of the Griffith University found that the scrapings from inside the nose, from the olfactory system, contain adult stem cells very similar to those that would be active inside the brain, reports English.news.cn.

Alan Mackay-Sim of the Griffith University, said the ability to collect neural stem cells with a simple biopsy, via the nose, would give scientists a new way to search for the genetic factors thought to be driving many brain disorders.

"There are very strong disease-specific differences in the biology of these cells and they must be reflecting what it happening in the brain," said Mackay-Sim.eanwhile, Mackay-Sim indicated this new window into brain development could reveal new targets for treatments, and allow for earlier diagnosis of disease.

It should speed up the development of drug-based treatments, he said.

The research was published in the journal Disease Models and Mechanisms.

Source: ANI