University of Rochester researchers used human stem cells to correct abnormal brain development in mice with fatal brain disorders, caused by missing myelin.

The researchers perfected a technique to implant human glial progenitor cells (a type of stem cell) into the nervous system of mice. These stem cells are able to differentiate into glial cells, which make myelin. The progenitor cells spread through the mouse brains and triggered repairs. This proof-of-concept study could lead to human clinical trials within a few years.