Hanyang University · Medicine
Professor Seung Hyun Kim's research lab focuses on regenerative medicine and neurodegenerative diseases, with a central emphasis on mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease. The lab investigates the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective mechanisms of MSCs, particularly through secreted factors like TGF-β, and aims to identify predictive biomarkers for treatment response. They also explore the role of genetic factors, such as *ANXA11* mutations, in ALS pathogenesis, linking calcium homeostasis and protein aggregation to motor neuron degeneration. Their translational research bridges preclinical models with clinical trials, including phase I/II and planned phase III studies of intrathecal MSC therapy.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Stem cell therapy is an emerging alternative therapeutic or disease-modifying strategy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To the authors' best knowledge, there are no clinical trials to evaluate the safety of repeated intrathecal injections of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells in ALS. After the clinical trial (phase I/II) was conducted, the stem cell (HYNR-CS, NEURONATA-R) was included in the revision of the regulations on orphan drug designation (number 160; December 31, 20
Repeated intrathecal injections of BM-MSCs demonstrated a possible clinical benefit lasting at least 6 months, with safety, in ALS patients. A plausible action mechanism is that BM-MSCs mediate switching from pro- to anti-inflammatory conditions. A future randomized, double-blind, large-scale phase 3 clinical trial with additional BM-MSC treatments is required to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety. Ann Neurol 2018;84:361-373.
The results of this study showed that microglia functional properties may be modulated depending on the composition and quantity of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-secreting factors. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is proposed as a modulator of microglia functional properties among MSC-secreting factors, and this study aligns with a previous clinical study by these same authors. TGF-β releasing capacity could be an important factor enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in clinical trials.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with neurodegenerative changes resulting clinically in progressive cognitive and functional deficits. The only therapies are the cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine and the N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor antagonist memantine. Donepezil acts primarily on the cholinergic system as a symptomatic treatment, but it also has potential for disease modification and may reduce the rate of progression of AD. This review explores the poten
Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can modify disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) model. However, there are currently no accurate biological markers for predicting the efficacy of autologous MSC transplants in ALS patients. This open-label, single-arm, investigator-initiated clinical study was designed to identify markers of MSCs that could be used as potential predictors of response to autologous MSC therapy in patients with ALS. We enrolled 37 patients with ALS
Dysregulation of calcium ion homeostasis and abnormal protein aggregation have been proposed as major pathogenic hallmarks underpinning selective degeneration of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, mutations in annexin A11 (<i>ANXA11</i>), a gene encoding a Ca<sup>2+</sup>-dependent phospholipid-binding protein, have been identified in familial and sporadic ALS. However, the physiological and pathophysiological roles of <i>ANXA11</i> remain unknown. Here, we report fu
The DGM atrophy was less severe and more selectively distributed in NMOSD than in MS. Thalamic atrophy was associated with clinical disability, including CI, in both NMOSD and MS.
Open papers in the app to read, cite, and organize with AI.
