Key points from article :
Inhibiting a gene called PTB in mice can convert brain support cells, into neurons.
Developed a non-infectious virus that carries a piece of DNA to bind the RNA coding for PTB.
Injected directly to mouse's midbrain that loses dopamine-producing neurons in Parkinson's disease.
Some astrocytes converted into neurons increasing the number of neurons by approximately 30%.
Dopamine levels were restored to a level comparable to that in normal mice.
Returned to normal within three months and remained asymptomatic for the rest of their lives.
Potential therapy for degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
Research by University of California - San Diego published in the journal Nature.
