Central nervous system membrane a source.

• Position: Stem Cells - Meninges - Brief article

Meninges, the membrane that envelops the central nervous system, is a potential source of self-renewing stem cells, indicate scientists studying the use of stem cells for treating spinal cord injuries. The research, published in Stem Cells, develops the understanding of cell activation in central nervous system injuries, advancing research into new treatments for spinal injuries and degenerative brain disorders.

The team focused their research on spinal cord injuries, caused when it is damaged by trauma rather than disease. Depending on the severity, a spinal injury can lead from pain to full paralysis, with high social and medical care costs. As the spinal cord lacks the ability to regenerate, the potential for patient recovery is severely limited.

"Our research offers the first evidence that the spinal cord meninges, the system of membranes which cover the surface of the brain and the spinal cord, contains stem cells which are capable of self-renewal and proliferation," explain authors Ilaria Decimo and Francesco Bifari of the University of Verona (Italy).

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