New Research Project: Functional Neuron Replacement to Rejuvenate the Neocortex

Happy to introduce our second supported research project of 2020: Dr. Jean Hébert’s research on reversing neocortical aging at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Of all the challenges in cell therapy, the replacement of neurons in the neocortex is both the most important and perhaps the most formidable. Only recently have any researchers succeeded in integrating new neurons into this area of the brain.

However, the vast majority of transplanted cells in these cases have failed to survive, and the few survivors have achieved only limited function and integration into existing circuits. SRF and FHF are now supporting Dr. Jean Hébert’s work to advance two innovative strategies to address different aspects of this challenge.

Dr. Hébert’s team will transplant neuronal precursors (from both mice and humans) along with precursors of the blood vessels needed to nourish new neurons, in order to enhance their survival and integration. ​