Role of mesenchymal stem cells in neurogenesis and nervous system repair

- MSCs are known to form mesenchymal derivatives but may also have a neurogenic function.
- Evidence shows MSCs engrafted into the nervous system survive, migrate and positively effect recovery from neural deficits.
- Three mechanisms by which MSCs may restore neural function have been proposed, with MSC-derived paracrine factors most likely to induce endogenous repair.
- MSCs are potential candidates for use in therapies to treat neurological disorders.