Genetically modified cells are cells in which the genome has been modified to express certain biomolecules that are normally not produced by such cells. Among these biomolecules are neurotrophic factors. The continual delivery of active neurotrophins to the injury site of the central nervous system has been a challenge. Genetically modified cells have provided a valuable tool for sustained supply of such factors. One of the highly studied models for such process is the fibroblast (connective tissue cell). Fibroblasts have been genetically modified to express several neurotrophic factors including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
In addition to fibroblasts, olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), Schwann cells, and neural stem cells have also been transfected to produce neurotrophins to enhance neural regeneration. Furthermore, OECs have been genetically manipulated to produce colored markers for tracing experiments.
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