The scientists are convinced that their development can serve as a better model for investigating age-related diseases because reprogrammed cells normally show the same characteristics as embryonic cells rather than those of mature adult cells. In order to increase an understanding of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cells are needed that look and behave like those seen in older individuals.

By manipulating the signals transcription factors send to the cells, Dr. Philpott and her colleagues were able to promote cell differentiation and maturation. When cells divide, transcription factors are modified by phosphate molecules, however this can limit how well cells are converted to mature nerves. By engineering proteins that cannot be modified by phosphate and introducing them to human cells, the researchers found they could produce nerve cells that were significantly more mature and therefore more useful as models for diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Source:
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/life-sciences/functional-nerve-cells-from-skin-cells.html

The Original paper "The phosphorylation status of Ascl1 is a key determinant of neuronal differentiation and maturation in vivo and in vitro." is published in the May 27th edition of the journal Development.