Stem Cell Therapies in Addiction

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to change into many different types of cells in an organism. For addiction, we know that dopaminergic (DA) neurons are associated with craving, learning, and planning unhealth alcohol and drug use. Stem cell therapy may be a helpful intervention for addictive disorders via the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, or through other mechanisms. We have identified three main types of stem cells used in addiction studies: embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Each of these have their own unique properties and uses.

This study is evaluating the current state of stem cell therapies in addiction science. Findings will help identify and organize the progress made in the field so far and the most common methods/results. We will aim to provide a scoping overview of this research to understand how the studies are conducted and where they have been most effective. Findings will help us plan and develop new research in important areas of stem cell therapies for addiction treatment.