Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: signals for hope?

Based on the distinctive cellular, molecular and immunomodulatory traits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), it has been postulated that these cells may play a critical role in regenerative medicine. In addition to the participation of MSC in the repair of mesodermal-derived tissues (bone, cartilage), robust data have suggested that MSC may also play a reparative role in conditions involving damage of cells of ectodermal origin. The above content has been supported by the capability of MSC to differentiate into neuron-like cells as well as by a competence to generate a 'neuroprotective' environment.