Stem Cells in Neurological Disorders: Challenges and Opportunities

Dear Colleagues:

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue of Biology dedicated to the latest advancements and breakthroughs focusing on stem cell research and its applications to neurological disorders. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research, innovative methodologies, and insightful perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of stem cells in neurodegenerative and neural developmental diseases, as well as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury (SCI). We invite investigators to contribute original research or review articles that highlight novel findings, critical mechanistic insights, and interdisciplinary approaches to advancing our understanding of stem cells in neurological disorders. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Stem cell-based disease modeling: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have been used to understand the pathophysiology of neurological diseases and to identify novel therapeutic targets. Particularly, great advancements have been made using three-dimensional structures (e.g., cerebral organoids) generated from patient-derived iPSCs to model various neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders in vitro, identify novel disease biomarkers, and test potential therapeutic interventions in a more physiologically relevant context.

(2) Cell replacement therapy: Investigating the potential of stem cell-derived specific types of neural progenitors, neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, as well as microglia, for cell replacement therapy in animal models of neurological disorders for their roles in immunomodulation, preventing neurodegeneration, and promoting neural regeneration. Additionally, novel strategies exist to develop universal donor cells for cell therapy that promote quicker and safer application of stem cells in clinical settings.

(3) Gene editing: CRISPR-mediated gene-editing technologies are being used to modify stem cells for better disease modeling and potential therapeutic applications. Exploring ways to correct disease-causing genetic mutations in patient-derived iPSCs precisely without unwanted off-targeting effects is a rapidly advancing field. Moreover, genetically engineered stem cells that overexpress neurotrophic factors to enhance their therapeutic potential before transplantation are an effective way to boost their therapeutic efficacy prior to transplantation in regenerative medicine.

(4) Stem cell-derived exosomes and neuroprotection: Exploring the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived exosomes for neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and modulating the inflammatory response in neurological diseases.

Dr. Ying Liu
Prof. Dr. Qi Lin Cao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• stem cell research
• neurological disorders
• induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
• cell replacement therapy
• gene editing in neurology
• stem cell-derived exosomes
• neuroregeneration
• disease modeling
• neuroprotective strategies
• regenerative medicine