The Potential of Episomal Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapy on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation

• Main Authors: Yuen Yung Loh, 羅源榮
• Other Authors: F. C. Wei
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2016
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/g8974n

碩士 === 長庚大學 === 顯微手術國際碩士學位學程 === 104 === Since the discovery of the capability of somatic cells to be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells or what is termed induced pluripotent stem cells, the potentials that these pluripotent stem cells provide is endless. Pluripotent stem cells possess the ability to unrestrictedly differentiate into any somatic cell in the body. As such, they are able to regenerate a whole host of cells in the body. This thesis aims to investigate and review the potential capabilities of iPSCs in accelerating the recovery of peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves when severed, undergo Wallerian degeneration which is a time dependent process. The longer the time taken to recovery, the poorer the functional outcome due to the wasting and degeneration of motor end plates at the end target muscle organ. The various options used in the generation of iPSCs are reviewed in this thesis and will provide an up to date insight into the current methods for cell reprogramming and their individual pros and cons. Lastly, we explore the potential of iPSCs in the regeneration of peripheral nerves in a murine model which mimics clinical scenarios experienced and the functional assessment of recovery in mice.