Basque researchers unlock new hope for neurodegenerative diseases with dental stem cells
In a groundbreaking study published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, scientists at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have successfully transformed human dental pulp stem cells into functionally active neuron-like cells. These cells are capable of generating electrical signals and producing GABA, a neurotransmitter essential for brain function—paving a promising path toward regenerative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease and epilepsy.
The breakthrough: From teeth to neurons
Unlike traditional treatments that aim to slow down neurodegeneration or reduce inflammation, this novel technique focuses on replacing lost or damaged neurons. Researchers—led by Dr. Gaskon Ibarretxe and Dr. José Ramón Pineda—used non-genetically modified stem cells extracted from dental pulp. Through precise exposure to differentiation factors, these cells adopted neuronal characteristics:
- Excitability: Ability to generate electrical impulses
- Neurotransmitter synthesis: Specifically, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
- Potential for circuit reintegration
Dr. Ibarretxe explains, “These GABA-producing cells are crucial because many neurodegenerative diseases involve the selective loss of inhibitory neurons.”
Why GABA matters in brain disorders
GABA is one of the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitters. Its dysfunction is linked to several disorders:
- Epilepsy: Characterized by uncontrolled electrical brain activity due to lack of inhibition
- Huntington’s Disease: Involves early loss of GABAergic neurons
- Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases: Often present GABAergic imbalances
By replacing these damaged cells, researchers hope to restore neural balance and improve cognitive and motor function in affected patients.
Next steps: Animal trials and clinical potential
While clinical application is still a step away, the researchers’ next goal is to test the neuron-like cells in animal models to evaluate:
- Integration into damaged neural circuits
- Longevity and safety
- Behavioral improvements in disease models
“This is not a cure yet,” Dr. Pineda cautions, “but it represents a paradigm shift in how we approach treatment.”
Collaboration and credibility
This pioneering work is part of Beatriz Pardo-Rodríguez’s PhD research, co-supervised at the Signaling Lab (UPV/EHU) and in collaboration with the Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience—ensuring strong academic backing and peer-reviewed validation.