Experimental evidence and early translational steps using bone marrow derived stem cells after human stroke.

Neurogenesis is principally restricted to the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle wall and the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus in physiological situations. However, neuronal stem cells are known to be mobilized into the post- and peristroke area and we have demonstrated that appropriate support of these stem cells, achieved by therapeutic angiogenesis, enhances neuroregeneration followed by neuronal functional recovery in an experimental stroke model. We also found that neural stem cells are mobilized in patients after stroke, as well as in animal models. Based on these observations, we have started cell-based therapy using autologous bone marrow-derived stem/progenitor cells in patients after stroke. This review summarizes the findings of recent experimental and clinical studies that have focused on neurogenesis in the injured brain after cerebral infarction. We also refer to the challenges for future cell-based therapy, including regeneration of the aged brain.