University of California at Irvine researchers have used human embryonic stem cells to create new insulating tissue for nerve fibers in a live animal model.

The researchers devised a novel technique that allows human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into high-purity, early-stage oligodendrocyte cells. These cells were injected into the spinal cords of mice genetically engineered to have no myelin tissue. After transplantation, the early-stage cells formed into full-grown oligodendrocyte cells and migrated to appropriate neuronal sites within the spinal cord.

University of California at Irvine news release