Gene Therapy Boosts Brain Repair for Demyelinating Diseases

Refernce:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209140208.htm

Summary:
 Our bodies are full of tiny superheroes -- antibodies that fight foreign invaders, cells that regenerate, and structures that ensure our systems run smoothly. One such structure is myelin -- a material that forms a protective, insulating cape around the axons of our nerve cells so that they can send signals quickly and efficiently. But myelin, and the specialized cells called oligodendrocytes that make it, become damaged in demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), leaving neurons without their myelin sheaths. As a consequence, the affected neurons can no longer communicate correctly and are prone to damage. Researchers from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) now believe they have found a way to help the brain replace damaged oligodendrocytes and myelin.


Critique:
can gene therapy help any other body part heal?


Impact:
Having this could help many people with any brain damage that needs healing.