Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine

Regeneration in Neurodegenerative & Spinal Cord Disorders

Neurodegenerative and spinal cord disorders present significant clinical challenges due to the limited regenerative capacity of neural tissue. Stem cell therapies, neurotrophic factors, and biomaterial scaffolds are advancing interventions aimed at repairing neural circuits and restoring function. This session focuses on innovative strategies, including iPSC-derived neurons, oligodendrocytes, and glial progenitors, for disease modeling and therapeutic transplantation. Preclinical studies show promising results in spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting cell survival, integration, and synaptic connectivity. Gene editing, exosome therapy, and biomaterial-supported neuroregeneration are emerging to enhance functional outcomes. Challenges include immune rejection, delivery efficiency, and long-term safety, necessitating multidisciplinary approaches combining neurobiology, bioengineering, and clinical expertise. Attendees will gain insights into translational research, regenerative mechanisms, and potential clinical pathways for repairing damaged neural networks and improving quality of life for patients with debilitating neurological conditions.