# DBT JRF 2020 — Question 113

Exam: DBT JRF 2020 · Section: B · Topic: Cell Biology · Difficulty: Easy

## Question

If neurons that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine could be generated from stem cells grown in culture, it might be possible to treat patient suffering with

## Options

- **A.** Cystic fibrosis
- **B.** Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- **C.** Diabetes
- **D.** Parkinson's Disease

## Answer

Option D

## Explanation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by: loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) → depletion of striatal dopamine → motor symptoms (bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, postural instability). Pathological hallmark: Lewy bodies (intracytoplasmic inclusions of $\alpha$ -synuclein). Stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons (generated from iPSCs or ESCs using factors: Shh, FGF8, NURR1/PITX3) could potentially replace lost SNpc neurons and restore nigrostriatal dopaminergic signalling. Clinical trials of dopaminergic cell transplantation are ongoing. ALS involves loss of upper and lower motor neurons (not dopaminergic). Cystic fibrosis is a CFTR chloride channel disorder. Diabetes (Type 1) involves loss of pancreatic $\beta$ -cells producing insulin.

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