2011 Jan;21(1):4-12. Epub 2010 Nov 4.
Stem cells to treat muscular dystrophies – where are we?
Meng J, Muntoni F, Morgan JE.
The Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom.

Abstract
The muscular dystrophies are inherited disorders characterised by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. Stem cell therapy is considered to be one of the most promising strategies for treating muscular dystrophies. In this review, we first examine the evidence that a stem cell could be used to treat muscular dystrophies, and then discuss the criteria that an ideal stem cell should meet. We also highlight the importance of standard operation procedures to be followed for ensuring the consistent and reproducible efficacy of a particular stem cell. While at the moment the scientific community is looking for an ideal stem cell to treat muscular dystrophies, it is clear that in order for this field to benefit from therapeutic stem cell applications, additional careful investigations are required.

Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PMID: 21055938 [PubMed – in process]