Methods of mesenchymal stem cell homing to the blood–brain barrier

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are multipotent cells that can be isolated from adult and fetal tissues. In vitro, MSCs show functional plasticity by differentiating into specialized cells of all germ layers. MSCs are of relevant to medicine and have been proposed for several disorders. MSCs can be transplanted across allogeneic barriers as “off the shelf” cells. This chapter focuses on methods to deliver MSCs to the brain because neurological pathology such as damage due to stroke can lead to debilitating mental and physical problems. In general, neurological diseases are difficult to treat, partly due to the challenge in getting drugs across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). MSCs as well as other stem cells can cross the BBB. The described method begins to develop procedures, leading to efficient delivery of drugs to the brain. Here describe how MSCs can be propagated from bone marrow aspirates and their utility in delivering small RNA to the brain. The chapter discusses the issue to enhance efficient delivery of MSCs to the brain.