ABSTRACT
Bone marrow stromal cells(MSCs) have been shown to be extremely versatile.Recently,it is demonstrated that MSCs differentiate into neurons.Moreover,under the appropriate conditions,MSCs differentiate into special phynotype of neurons,such as 5-hydroxytryptamine-sensitive neurons,and dopaminergic neurons.The mechanism remains to be elucidated,and an overexpression of neuronal specific genes(such as Sox,Pax,Notch gene) may play an important role,especially RB/PBO gene.However,RB triggers cholinergic differentiation.Extrinsic factor such as concentration of cAMP plays certain role in differentiation.MSCs have also been shown to have certain therapeutic effect on neuronal degeneration disease.These cells have great potential because it is easy to isolate,culture,amplify,and no ethics neither immunologic rejection problem was concerned.