University of Saskatchewan partners with Harvard-affiliate on brain repair

A new research agreement could help repair damage created by brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The University of Saskatchewan is partnering with the Center for Neuroregeneration Research at McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

Researchers will be using stem cells and using them to repair the circuitry of the brain.

"Really, one of the unique things about this technology is the ability to take the stem cells from the patients themselves," said  Dr. Ivar Mendez, the lead researcher at the U of S Saskatchewan Brain Repair Program. "So, we can take the stem cells from the skin or the blood, and then convert it into the cell of the brain."

Parkinson's disease kills brain cells that produce dopamine, an important chemical in the brain. However, by implementing stem cells, the brand new cell will start producing dopamine, helping to rebuild the brain's circuitry.

"It's kind of a one-shot deal," said Dr. Mendez. "Once we have the transplant planted in the right place, the cells will do the rest of the work. It will actually re-connect with the rest of the cells of the brain and improve function."

The collaboration is expected to eventually lead to clinical trials in patients. Right now, the two schools will collaborate on basic research, and will be creating faculty and student exchanges.