Touted to replace stem cells, this new technology allows cells, such as skin cells, to be converted into other types of cells which would treat injuries. Currently you can covert cells from their state into stem cells which are an original cell that can be made into anything. They are found in the organ creation of babies. Andrerw Yoo of Washinton University has managed to turn skin cells into medium spiny neurons. Why is this significant? Medium spiny neurons are the cells that deteriorate in Huntington's disease. The way this happens is portions of genetic material called microRNAs turn on genes during 'the embyonic development' . They also added four transcription factors which help the conversion process. The cells survived for six months when put onto rats and no abnormal behaviour was observed. The next step is trying this with humans. This is an incredible breakthrough as it means there may be an end in sight for Huntington's, if somone had it but there cells got replaced they may have mild symptoms but never lose overall coordination which occurs in end stage Huntington's. It would also mean that people with Huntington's gene may more comfortable with having children. It may not just be Huntington's this may help other diseases that scientists may not have even considered. Could we create new blood cells that could offset the effects of sickle cell anaemia?
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22429931-500-cellular-alchemy-turns-skin-cells-into-brain-cells/
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22429931-500-cellular-alchemy-turns-skin-cells-into-brain-cells/