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Olaya AMS, Almeida FM, Martinez AMB, Marques SA. Treatment of spinal cord injury with biomaterials and stem cell therapy in non-human primates and humans. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:343-353. [PMID: 38819038 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury results in the loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions, which almost always produces permanent physical disability. Thus, in the search for more effective treatments than those already applied for years, which are not entirely efficient, researches have been able to demonstrate the potential of biological strategies using biomaterials to tissue manufacturing through bioengineering and stem cell therapy as a neuroregenerative approach, seeking to promote neuronal recovery after spinal cord injury. Each of these strategies has been developed and meticulously evaluated in several animal models with the aim of analyzing the potential of interventions for neuronal repair and, consequently, boosting functional recovery. Although the majority of experimental research has been conducted in rodents, there is increasing recognition of the importance, and need, of evaluating the safety and efficacy of these interventions in non-human primates before moving to clinical trials involving therapies potentially promising in humans. This article is a literature review from databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, Scielo, Redalyc, Cochrane, and NCBI) from 10 years ago to date, using keywords (spinal cord injury, cell therapy, non-human primates, humans, and bioengineering in spinal cord injury). From 110 retrieved articles, after two selection rounds based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were analyzed. Thus, this review arises from the need to recognize the experimental therapeutic advances applied in non-human primates and even humans, aimed at deepening these strategies and identifying the advantages and influence of the results on extrapolation for clinical applicability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Milena Silva Olaya
- PhD Program in Pathological Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Maria Blanco Martinez
- Graduate Program in Pathological Anatomy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Suelen Adriani Marques
- Graduate Program in Pathological Anatomy (PPGAP/UFRJ), Department of Neurobiology/Institute of Biology, Campus do Gragoatá, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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2
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Li C, Luo Y, Li S. The roles of neural stem cells in myelin regeneration and repair therapy after spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:204. [PMID: 38978125 PMCID: PMC11232222 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03825-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury that results in a wide range of physical deficits, including permanent or progressive disabilities of sensory, motor and autonomic functions. To date, limitations in current clinical treatment options can leave SCI patients with lifelong disabilities. There is an urgent need to develop new therapies for reconstructing the damaged spinal cord neuron-glia network and restoring connectivity with the supraspinal pathways. Neural stem cells (NSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into neurons and neuroglia, including oligodendrocytes, which are cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath and the regeneration of demyelinated axons. For these properties, NSCs are considered to be a promising cell source for rebuilding damaged neural circuits and promoting myelin regeneration. Over the past decade, transplantation of NSCs has been extensively tested in a variety of preclinical models of SCI. This review aims to highlight the pathophysiology of SCI and promote the understanding of the role of NSCs in SCI repair therapy and the current advances in pathological mechanism, pre-clinical studies, as well as clinical trials of SCI via NSC transplantation therapeutic strategy. Understanding and mastering these frontier updates will pave the way for establishing novel therapeutic strategies to improve the quality of recovery from SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Siguang Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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Forouharshad M, Raspa A, Fortino G, Ciulla MG, Farazdaghi A, Stolojan V, Stendardo L, Bracco S, Gelain F. Biomimetic electrospun PVDF/self-assembling peptide piezoelectric scaffolds for neural stem cell transplantation in neural tissue engineering. RSC Adv 2024; 14:21277-21291. [PMID: 38974226 PMCID: PMC11225063 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02309a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Piezoelectric materials can provide in situ electrical stimulation without external chemical or physical support, opening new frontiers for future bioelectric therapies. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) possesses piezoelectricity and biocompatibility, making it an electroactive biomaterial capable of enhancing bioactivity through instantaneous electrical stimulation, which indicates significant potential in tissue engineering. In this study, we developed electroactive and biomimetic scaffolds made of electrospun PVDF and self-assembling peptides (SAPs) to enhance stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury regeneration. We investigated the morphology and crystalline polymorphs of the electrospun scaffolds. Morphological studies demonstrated the benefit of using mixed sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and SAPs as additives to form thinner, uniform, and defect-free fibers. Regarding electroactive phases, β and γ phases-evidence of electroactivity-were predominant in aligned scaffolds and scaffolds modified with SDS and SAPs. In vitro studies showed that neural stem cells (NSCs) seeded on electrospun PVDF with additives exhibited desirable proliferation and differentiation compared to the gold standard. Furthermore, the orientation of the fibers influenced scaffold topography, resulting in a higher degree of cell orientation in fiber-aligned scaffolds compared to randomly oriented ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Forouharshad
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda 20162 Milan Italy
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo Italy
| | - Andrea Raspa
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fortino
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano - Bicocca via R. Cozzi 55 20125 Milano Italy
| | - Maria Gessica Ciulla
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda 20162 Milan Italy
| | - Arman Farazdaghi
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University MD USA
| | - Vlad Stolojan
- Advanced Technology Institute, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Surrey Guildford GU2 7XH UK
| | - Luca Stendardo
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano - Bicocca via R. Cozzi 55 20125 Milano Italy
| | - Silvia Bracco
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano - Bicocca via R. Cozzi 55 20125 Milano Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gelain
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda 20162 Milan Italy
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo Italy
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4
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Wang X, Hong CG, Duan R, Pang ZL, Zhang MN, Xie H, Liu ZZ. Transplantation of olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stromal cells repairs spinal cord injury by inducing microglial polarization. Spinal Cord 2024:10.1038/s41393-024-01004-6. [PMID: 38849489 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-024-01004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Animal studies OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of olfactory mucosa mesenchymal stem cell (OM-MSCs) transplantation in mice with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to explore the mechanism by which OM-MSCs inhibit neuroinflammation and improve SCI. SETTING Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University. METHODS Mice (C57BL/6, female, 6-week-old) were randomly divided into sham, SCI, and SCI + OM-MSC groups. The SCI mouse model was generated using Allen's method. OM-MSCs were immediately delivered to the lateral ventricle after SCI using stereotaxic brain injections. One day prior to injury and on days 1, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-injury, the Basso Mouse Scale and Rivlin inclined plate tests were performed. Inflammation and microglial polarization were evaluated using histological staining, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR. RESULTS OM-MSCs originating from the neuroectoderm have great potential in the management of SCI owing to their immunomodulatory effects. OM-MSCs administration improved motor function, alleviated inflammation, promoted the transformation of the M1 phenotype of microglia into the M2 phenotype, facilitated axonal regeneration, and relieved spinal cord injury in SCI mice. CONCLUSIONS OM-MSCs reduced the level of inflammation in the spinal cord tissue, protected neurons, and repaired spinal cord injury by regulating the M1/M2 polarization of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Chun-Gu Hong
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Ran Duan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Zhi-Lin Pang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Min-Na Zhang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Movement System Injury and Repair Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Zheng-Zhao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524001, China.
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5
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Hingorani S, Paniagua Soriano G, Sánchez Huertas C, Villalba Riquelme EM, López Mocholi E, Martínez Rojas B, Alastrué Agudo A, Dupraz S, Ferrer Montiel AV, Moreno Manzano V. Transplantation of dorsal root ganglia overexpressing the NaChBac sodium channel improves locomotion after complete SCI. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1739-1759. [PMID: 38556794 PMCID: PMC11184342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition currently lacking treatment. Severe SCI causes the loss of most supraspinal inputs and neuronal activity caudal to the injury, which, coupled with the limited endogenous capacity for spontaneous regeneration, can lead to complete functional loss even in anatomically incomplete lesions. We hypothesized that transplantation of mature dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) genetically modified to express the NaChBac sodium channel could serve as a therapeutic option for functionally complete SCI. We found that NaChBac expression increased the intrinsic excitability of DRG neurons and promoted cell survival and neurotrophic factor secretion in vitro. Transplantation of NaChBac-expressing dissociated DRGs improved voluntary locomotion 7 weeks after injury compared to control groups. Animals transplanted with NaChBac-expressing DRGs also possessed higher tubulin-positive neuronal fiber and myelin preservation, although serotonergic descending fibers remained unaffected. We observed early preservation of the corticospinal tract 14 days after injury and transplantation, which was lost 7 weeks after injury. Nevertheless, transplantation of NaChBac-expressing DRGs increased the neuronal excitatory input by an increased number of VGLUT2 contacts immediately caudal to the injury. Our work suggests that the transplantation of NaChBac-expressing dissociated DRGs can rescue significant motor function, retaining an excitatory neuronal relay activity immediately caudal to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Hingorani
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillem Paniagua Soriano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez Huertas
- Development and Assembly of Bilateral Neural Circuits Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida Santiago Ramon y Cajal, s/n, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eva María Villalba Riquelme
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche-IDiBE, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, Edificio Torregaitán, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eric López Mocholi
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez Rojas
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Alastrué Agudo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sebastián Dupraz
- Laboratory for Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonio Vicente Ferrer Montiel
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche-IDiBE, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, Edificio Torregaitán, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
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6
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Li M, Wang X, Qi B, Cui S, Zheng T, Guan Y, Ma L, Liu S, Li Q, Chen Z, Jian F. Treatment of Syringomyelia Characterized by Focal Dilatation of the Central Canal Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Neural Stem Cells. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:625-639. [PMID: 38578425 PMCID: PMC11087409 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00637-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syringomyelia is a progressive chronic disease that leads to nerve pain, sensory dissociation, and dyskinesia. Symptoms often do not improve after surgery. Stem cells have been widely explored for the treatment of nervous system diseases due to their immunoregulatory and neural replacement abilities. METHODS In this study, we used a rat model of syringomyelia characterized by focal dilatation of the central canal to explore an effective transplantation scheme and evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells and induced neural stem cells for the treatment of syringomyelia. RESULTS The results showed that cell transplantation could not only promote syrinx shrinkage but also stimulate the proliferation of ependymal cells, and the effect of this result was related to the transplantation location. These reactions appeared only when the cells were transplanted into the cavity. Additionally, we discovered that cell transplantation transformed activated microglia into the M2 phenotype. IGF1-expressing M2 microglia may play a significant role in the repair of nerve pain. CONCLUSION Cell transplantation can promote cavity shrinkage and regulate the local inflammatory environment. Moreover, the proliferation of ependymal cells may indicate the activation of endogenous stem cells, which is important for the regeneration and repair of spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Boling Qi
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Shengyu Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Tianqi Zheng
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Yunqian Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Longbing Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Sumei Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.
| | - Fengzeng Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Research Center of Spine and Spinal Cord, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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7
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Li Y, Kumamaru H, Vokes TJ, Tran AN, Shevinsky CA, Graham L, Archuleta K, Limon KR, Lu P, Blesch A, Tuszynski MH, Brock JH. An improved method for generating human spinal cord neural stem cells. Exp Neurol 2024; 376:114779. [PMID: 38621449 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Neural stem cells have exhibited efficacy in pre-clinical models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and are on a translational path to human testing. We recently reported that neural stem cells must be driven to a spinal cord fate to optimize host axonal regeneration into sites of implantation in the injured spinal cord, where they subsequently form neural relays across the lesion that support significant functional improvement. We also reported methods of deriving and culturing human spinal cord neural stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells that can be sustained over serial high passage numbers in vitro, providing a potentially optimized cell source for human clinical trials. We now report further optimization of methods for deriving and sustaining cultures of human spinal cord neural stem cell lines that result in improved karyotypic stability while retaining anatomical efficacy in vivo. This development improves prospects for safe human translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - H Kumamaru
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyushu University, Oita, Japan
| | - T J Vokes
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - A N Tran
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - C A Shevinsky
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - L Graham
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - K Archuleta
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - K R Limon
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - P Lu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - A Blesch
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - M H Tuszynski
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - J H Brock
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America.
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8
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Sun Z, Chen Z, Yin M, Wu X, Guo B, Cheng X, Quan R, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Fan Y, Jin C, Yin Y, Hou X, Liu W, Shu M, Xue X, Shi Y, Chen B, Xiao Z, Dai J, Zhao Y. Harnessing developmental dynamics of spinal cord extracellular matrix improves regenerative potential of spinal cord organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:772-787.e11. [PMID: 38565140 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Neonatal spinal cord tissues exhibit remarkable regenerative capabilities as compared to adult spinal cord tissues after injury, but the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in this process has remained elusive. Here, we found that early developmental spinal cord had higher levels of ECM proteins associated with neural development and axon growth, but fewer inhibitory proteoglycans, compared to those of adult spinal cord. Decellularized spinal cord ECM from neonatal (DNSCM) and adult (DASCM) rabbits preserved these differences. DNSCM promoted proliferation, migration, and neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and facilitated axonal outgrowth and regeneration of spinal cord organoids more effectively than DASCM. Pleiotrophin (PTN) and Tenascin (TNC) in DNSCM were identified as contributors to these abilities. Furthermore, DNSCM demonstrated superior performance as a delivery vehicle for NPCs and organoids in spinal cord injury (SCI) models. This suggests that ECM cues from early development stages might significantly contribute to the prominent regeneration ability in spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Man Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xianming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaokang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rui Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongheng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanyun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xianglin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Weiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Muya Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ya Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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9
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Chen YL, Feng XL, Tam KW, Fan CY, Cheung MPL, Yang YT, Wong S, Shum DKY, Chan YS, Cheung CW, Cheung M, Liu JA. Intrinsic and extrinsic actions of human neural progenitors with SUFU inhibition promote tissue repair and functional recovery from severe spinal cord injury. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:13. [PMID: 38519518 PMCID: PMC10959923 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells(hPSCs) provide major cell sources for repairing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the injury niche and inadequate intrinsic factors in the adult spinal cord restrict the therapeutic potential of transplanted NPCs. The Sonic Hedgehog protein (Shh) has crucial roles in neurodevelopment by promoting the formation of motorneurons and oligodendrocytes as well as its recently described neuroprotective features in response to the injury, indicating its essential role in neural homeostasis and tissue repair. In this study, we demonstrate that elevated SHH signaling in hNPCs by inhibiting its negative regulator, SUFU, enhanced cell survival and promoted robust neuronal differentiation with extensive axonal outgrowth, counteracting the harmful effects of the injured niche. Importantly, SUFU inhibition in NPCs exert non-cell autonomous effects on promoting survival and neurogenesis of endogenous cells and modulating the microenvironment by reducing suppressive barriers around lesion sites. The combined beneficial effects of SUFU inhibition in hNPCs resulted in the effective reconstruction of neuronal connectivity with the host and corticospinal regeneration, significantly improving neurobehavioral recovery in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that SUFU inhibition confers hNPCs with potent therapeutic potential to overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers in transplantation treatments for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang-Lan Feng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin-Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chao-Yang Fan
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Pui-Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong-Ting Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stanley Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong sanatorium hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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10
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Jagrit V, Koffler J, Dulin JN. Combinatorial strategies for cell transplantation in traumatic spinal cord injury. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1349446. [PMID: 38510468 PMCID: PMC10951004 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1349446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) substantially reduces the quality of life of affected individuals. Recovery of function is therefore a primary concern of the patient population and a primary goal for therapeutic interventions. Currently, even with growing numbers of clinical trials, there are still no effective treatments that can improve neurological outcomes after SCI. A large body of work has demonstrated that transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) can promote regeneration of the injured spinal cord by providing new neurons that can integrate into injured host neural circuitry. Despite these promising findings, the degree of functional recovery observed after NSPC transplantation remains modest. It is evident that treatment of such a complex injury cannot be addressed with a single therapeutic approach. In this mini-review, we discuss combinatorial strategies that can be used along with NSPC transplantation to promote spinal cord regeneration. We begin by introducing bioengineering and neuromodulatory approaches, and highlight promising work using these strategies in integration with NSPCs transplantation. The future of NSPC transplantation will likely include a multi-factorial approach, combining stem cells with biomaterials and/or neuromodulation as a promising treatment for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Jagrit
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jacob Koffler
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer N. Dulin
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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11
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Hosseini SM, Borys B, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Neural stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury repair: an update on recent preclinical and clinical advances. Brain 2024; 147:766-793. [PMID: 37975820 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a leading cause of lifelong disabilities. Permanent sensory, motor and autonomic impairments after SCI are substantially attributed to degeneration of spinal cord neurons and axons, and disintegration of neural network. To date, minimal regenerative treatments are available for SCI with an unmet need for new therapies to reconstruct the damaged spinal cord neuron-glia network and restore connectivity with the supraspinal pathways. Multipotent neural precursor cells (NPCs) have a unique capacity to generate neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Due to this capacity, NPCs have been an attractive cell source for cellular therapies for SCI. Transplantation of NPCs has been extensively tested in preclinical models of SCI in the past two decades. These studies have identified opportunities and challenges associated with NPC therapies. While NPCs have the potential to promote neuroregeneration through various mechanisms, their low long-term survival and integration within the host injured spinal cord limit the functional benefits of NPC-based therapies for SCI. To address this challenge, combinatorial strategies have been developed to optimize the outcomes of NPC therapies by enriching SCI microenvironment through biomaterials, genetic and pharmacological therapies. In this review, we will provide an in-depth discussion on recent advances in preclinical NPC-based therapies for SCI. We will discuss modes of actions and mechanism by which engrafted NPCs contribute to the repair process and functional recovery. We will also provide an update on current clinical trials and new technologies that have facilitated preparation of medical-grade human NPCs suitable for transplantation in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Ben Borys
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Soheila Karimi-Abdolrezaee
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4, Canada
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12
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Li Q, Liu S, Zheng T, Li M, Qi B, Zhou L, Liu B, Ma D, Zhao C, Chen Z. Grafted human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells combined with human umbilical vein endothelial cells contribute to functional recovery following spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:35. [PMID: 38321505 PMCID: PMC10848469 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease that causes extensive damage to oligodendrocytes and neurons leading to demyelination and axonal degeneration. In this study, we co-transplanted cell grafts containing oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) combined with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were reported to promote OPCs survival and migration, into rat contusion models to promote functional recovery after SCI. METHODS OPCs were derived from iPSCs and identified by immunofluorescence at different time points. Functional assays in vitro were performed to evaluate the effect of HUVECs on the proliferation, migration, and survival of OPCs by co-culture and migration assay, as well as on the neuronal axonal growth. A combination of OPCs and HUVECs was transplanted into the rat contusive model. Upon 8 weeks, immunofluorescence staining was performed to test the safety of transplanted cells and to observe the neuronal repairment, myelination, and neural circuit reconstruction at the injured area; also, the functional recovery was assessed by Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan open-field scale, Ladder climb, SEP, and MEP. Furthermore, the effect of HUVECs on grafts was also determined in vivo. RESULTS Data showed that HUVECs promote the proliferation, migration, and survival of OPCs both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, 8 weeks upon engraftment, the rats with OPCs and HUVECs co-transplantation noticeably facilitated remyelination, enhanced functional connection between the grafts and the host and promoted functional recovery. In addition, compared with the OPCs-alone transplantation, the co-transplantation generated more sensory neurons at the lesion border and significantly improved the sensory functional recovery. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that transplantation of OPCs combined with HUVECs significantly enhances both motor and sensory functional recovery after SCI. No significance was observed between OPCs combined with HUVECs group and OPCs-alone group in motor function recovery, while the sensory function recovery was significantly promoted in OPCs combined with HUVECs groups compared with the other two groups. These findings provide novel insights into the field of SCI research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Sumei Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tianqi Zheng
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Mo Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Boling Qi
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Bochao Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Dan Ma
- Translational Medicine Research Group (TMRG), Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China.
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, China.
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13
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Liu S, Liu B, Li Q, Zheng T, Liu B, Li M, Chen Z. Transplantation of fibrin-thrombin encapsulated human induced neural stem cells promotes functional recovery of spinal cord injury rats through modulation of the microenvironment. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:440-446. [PMID: 37488909 PMCID: PMC10503599 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have mostly focused on engraftment of cells at the lesioned spinal cord, with the expectation that differentiated neurons facilitate recovery. Only a few studies have attempted to use transplanted cells and/or biomaterials as major modulators of the spinal cord injury microenvironment. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of microenvironment modulation by cell graft on functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Induced neural stem cells reprogrammed from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and/or thrombin plus fibrinogen, were transplanted into the lesion site of an immunosuppressed rat spinal cord injury model. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score, electrophysiological function, and immunofluorescence/histological analyses showed that transplantation facilitates motor and electrophysiological function, reduces lesion volume, and promotes axonal neurofilament expression at the lesion core. Examination of the graft and niche components revealed that although the graft only survived for a relatively short period (up to 15 days), it still had a crucial impact on the microenvironment. Altogether, induced neural stem cells and human fibrin reduced the number of infiltrated immune cells, biased microglia towards a regenerative M2 phenotype, and changed the cytokine expression profile at the lesion site. Graft-induced changes of the microenvironment during the acute and subacute stages might have disrupted the inflammatory cascade chain reactions, which may have exerted a long-term impact on the functional recovery of spinal cord injury rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumei Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Baoguo Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Tianqi Zheng
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Bochao Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Mo Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson’s Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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14
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Qin B, Hu XM, Huang YX, Yang RH, Xiong K. A New Paradigm in Spinal Cord Injury Therapy: from Cell-free Treatment to Engineering Modifications. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:656-673. [PMID: 37076458 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230418090857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an intractable and poorly prognostic neurological disease, and current treatments are still unable to cure it completely and avoid sequelae. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as important carriers of intercellular communication and pharmacological effects, are considered to be the most promising candidates for SCI therapy because of their low toxicity and immunogenicity, their ability to encapsulate endogenous bioactive molecules (e.g., proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids), and their ability to cross the blood-brain/cerebrospinal barriers. However, poor targeting, low retention rate, and limited therapeutic efficacy of natural EVs have bottlenecked EVs-based SCI therapy. A new paradigm for SCI treatment will be provided by engineering modified EVs. Furthermore, our limited understanding of the role of EVs in SCI pathology hinders the rational design of novel EVbased therapeutic approaches. In this study, we review the pathophysiology after SCI, especially the multicellular EVs-mediated crosstalk; briefly describe the shift from cellular to cell-free therapies for SCI treatment; discuss and analyze the issues related to the route and dose of EVs administration; summarize and present the common strategies for EVs drug loading in the treatment of SCI and point out the shortcomings of these drug loading methods; finally, we analyze and highlight the feasibility and advantages of bio-scaffold-encapsulated EVs for SCI treatment, providing scalable insights into cell-free therapy for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Qin
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Kidney Disease Pathogenesis and Intervention, Hubei Polytechnic University School of Medicine, Huangshi, 435003, China
| | - Xi-Min Hu
- Clinical Medicine Eight-year Program, 02 Class, 17 Grade, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yan-Xia Huang
- Health Management Center, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Rong-Hua Yang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, 410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
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15
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Patil N, Korenfeld O, Scalf RN, Lavoie N, Huntemer-Silveira A, Han G, Swenson R, Parr AM. Electrical stimulation affects the differentiation of transplanted regionally specific human spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) after chronic spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:378. [PMID: 38124191 PMCID: PMC10734202 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are currently no effective clinical therapies to ameliorate the loss of function that occurs after spinal cord injury. Electrical stimulation of the rat spinal cord through the rat tail has previously been described by our laboratory. We propose combinatorial treatment with human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) along with tail nerve electrical stimulation (TANES). The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of TANES on the differentiation of sNPCs with the hypothesis that the addition of TANES would affect incorporation of sNPCs into the injured spinal cord, which is our ultimate goal. METHODS Chronically injured athymic nude rats were allocated to one of three treatment groups: injury only, sNPC only, or sNPC + TANES. Rats were sacrificed at 16 weeks post-transplantation, and tissue was processed and analyzed utilizing standard histological and tissue clearing techniques. Functional testing was performed. All quantitative data were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistics were conducted using GraphPad Prism. RESULTS We found that sNPCs were multi-potent and retained the ability to differentiate into mainly neurons or oligodendrocytes after this transplantation paradigm. The addition of TANES resulted in more transplanted cells differentiating into oligodendrocytes compared with no TANES treatment, and more myelin was found. TANES not only promoted significantly higher numbers of sNPCs migrating away from the site of injection but also influenced long-distance axonal/dendritic projections especially in the rostral direction. Further, we observed localization of synaptophysin on SC121-positive cells, suggesting integration with host or surrounding neurons, and this finding was enhanced when TANES was applied. Also, rats that were transplanted with sNPCs in combination with TANES resulted in an increase in serotonergic fibers in the lumbar region. This suggests that TANES contributes to integration of sNPCs, as well as activity-dependent oligodendrocyte and myelin remodeling of the chronically injured spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS Together, the data suggest that the added electrical stimulation promoted cellular integration and influenced the fate of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sNPCs transplanted into the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandadevi Patil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Olivia Korenfeld
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Rachel N Scalf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Nicolas Lavoie
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Anne Huntemer-Silveira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Guebum Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1100 Mechanical Engineering Building, 111 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Riley Swenson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ann M Parr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MMC 96, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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16
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Sarma S, Deka DJ, Rajak P, Laloo D, Das T, Chetia P, Saha D, Bharali A, Deka B. Potential injectable hydrogels as biomaterials for central nervous system injury: A narrative review. IBRAIN 2023; 9:402-420. [PMID: 38680508 PMCID: PMC11045191 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Numerous modalities exist through which the central nervous system (CNS) may sustain injury or impairment, encompassing traumatic incidents, stroke occurrences, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Presently available pharmacological and therapeutic interventions are incapable of restoring or regenerating damaged CNS tissue, leading to substantial unmet clinical needs among patients with CNS ailments or injuries. To address and facilitate the recovery of the impaired CNS, cell-based repair strategies encompass multiple mechanisms, such as neuronal replacement, therapeutic factor secretion, and the promotion of host brain plasticity. Despite the progression of cell-based CNS reparation as a therapeutic strategy throughout the years, substantial barriers have impeded its widespread implementation in clinical settings. The integration of cell technologies with advancements in regenerative medicine utilizing biomaterials and tissue engineering has recently facilitated the surmounting of several of these impediments. This comprehensive review presents an overview of distinct CNS conditions necessitating cell reparation, in addition to exploring potential biomaterial methodologies that enhance the efficacy of treating brain injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santa Sarma
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical ScienceAssam Science and Technology UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Dhruva J. Deka
- Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical ScienceAssam Science and Technology UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Prakash Rajak
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesDibrugarh UniversityDibrugarhAssamIndia
| | - Damiki Laloo
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Trishna Das
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Purbajit Chetia
- Department of PharmacologyNETES Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Nemcare Group of Institutes, MirzaGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Dipankar Saha
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Alakesh Bharali
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesDibrugarh UniversityDibrugarhAssamIndia
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
| | - Bhargab Deka
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesGirijananda Chowdhury UniversityGuwahatiAssamIndia
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17
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Alasmar S, Huang J, Chopra K, Baumann E, Aylsworth A, Hewitt M, Sandhu JK, Tauskela JS, Ben RN, Jezierski A. Improved Cryopreservation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) and iPSC-derived Neurons Using Ice-Recrystallization Inhibitors. Stem Cells 2023; 41:1006-1021. [PMID: 37622655 PMCID: PMC10631806 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxad059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived neurons (iPSC-Ns) represent a differentiated modality toward developing novel cell-based therapies for regenerative medicine. However, the successful application of iPSC-Ns in cell-replacement therapies relies on effective cryopreservation. In this study, we investigated the role of ice recrystallization inhibitors (IRIs) as novel cryoprotectants for iPSCs and terminally differentiated iPSC-Ns. We found that one class of IRIs, N-aryl-D-aldonamides (specifically 2FA), increased iPSC post-thaw viability and recovery with no adverse effect on iPSC pluripotency. While 2FA supplementation did not significantly improve iPSC-N cell post-thaw viability, we observed that 2FA cryopreserved iPSC-Ns re-established robust neuronal network activity and synaptic function much earlier compared to CS10 cryopreserved controls. The 2FA cryopreserved iPSC-Ns retained expression of key neuronal specific and terminally differentiated markers and displayed functional electrophysiological and neuropharmacological responses following treatment with neuroactive agonists and antagonists. We demonstrate how optimizing cryopreservation media formulations with IRIs represents a promising strategy to improve functional cryopreservation of iPSCs and post-mitotic iPSC-Ns, the latter of which have been challenging to achieve. Developing IRI enabling technologies to support an effective cryopreservation and an efficiently managed cryo-chain is fundamental to support the delivery of successful iPSC-derived therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Alasmar
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jez Huang
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Karishma Chopra
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ewa Baumann
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Aylsworth
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Melissa Hewitt
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jagdeep K Sandhu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, , Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph S Tauskela
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert N Ben
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Jezierski
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, , Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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18
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Ying C, Zhang J, Zhang H, Gao S, Guo X, Lin J, Wu H, Hong Y. Stem cells in central nervous system diseases: Promising therapeutic strategies. Exp Neurol 2023; 369:114543. [PMID: 37743001 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are a leading cause of death and disability. Due to CNS neurons have no self-renewal and regenerative ability as they mature, their loss after injury or disease is irreversible and often leads to functional impairments. Unfortunately, therapeutic options for CNS diseases are still limited, and effective treatments for these notorious diseases are warranted to be explored. At present, stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for improving the prognosis of CNS diseases. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidences have demonstrated that multiple molecular mechanisms, such as cell replacement, immunoregulation and neurotrophic effect, underlie the use of stem cell therapy for CNS diseases. However, several issues have yet to be addressed to support its clinical application. Thus, this review article aims to summarize the role and underlying mechanisms of stem cell therapy in treating CNS diseases. And it is worthy of further evaluation for the potential therapeutic applications of stem cell treatment in CNS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caidi Ying
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haocheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haijian Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yuan Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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19
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Qiu C, Sun Y, Li J, Zhou J, Xu Y, Qiu C, Yu K, Liu J, Jiang Y, Cui W, Wang G, Liu H, Yuan W, Jiang T, Kou Y, Ge Z, He Z, Zhang S, He Y, Yu L. A 3D-Printed Dual Driving Forces Scaffold with Self-Promoted Cell Absorption for Spinal Cord Injury Repair. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301639. [PMID: 37870182 PMCID: PMC10667844 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells play critical roles in cell therapies and tissue engineering for nerve repair. However, achieving effective delivery of high cell density remains a challenge. Here, a novel cell delivery platform termed the hyper expansion scaffold (HES) is developed to enable high cell loading. HES facilitated self-promoted and efficient cell absorption via a dual driving force model. In vitro tests revealed that the HES rapidly expanded 80-fold in size upon absorbing 2.6 million human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) within 2 min, representing over a 400% increase in loading capacity versus controls. This enhanced uptake benefited from macroscopic swelling forces as well as microscale capillary action. In spinal cord injury (SCI) rats, HES-hAESCs promoted functional recovery and axonal projection by reducing neuroinflammation and improving the neurotrophic microenvironment surrounding the lesions. In summary, the dual driving forces model provides a new rationale for engineering hydrogel scaffolds to facilitate self-promoted cell absorption. The HES platform demonstrates great potential as a powerful and efficient vehicle for delivering high densities of hAESCs to promote clinical treatment and repair of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Jinying Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Yuchen Xu
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced StudiesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Cong Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Kang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Jia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Yuanqing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Wenyu Cui
- Eye Centerthe Second Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310009China
| | | | - He Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Weixin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Tuoying Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Yaohui Kou
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Zhen Ge
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhou310013China
| | - Zhiying He
- Institute for Regenerative MedicineShanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji UniversityShanghai200123China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghai200335China
| | - Shaomin Zhang
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced StudiesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Luyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Intervention and Regenerative Medicine of Zhejiang ProvinceDepartment of CardiologySir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and iCell Biotechnology Regenerative Biomedicine Laboratory of College of Life SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
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20
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Chudakova DA, Samoilova EM, Chekhonin VP, Baklaushev VP. Improving Efficiency of Direct Pro-Neural Reprogramming: Much-Needed Aid for Neuroregeneration in Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2023; 12:2499. [PMID: 37887343 PMCID: PMC10605572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a medical condition affecting ~2.5-4 million people worldwide. The conventional therapy for SCI fails to restore the lost spinal cord functions; thus, novel therapies are needed. Recent breakthroughs in stem cell biology and cell reprogramming revolutionized the field. Of them, the use of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) directly reprogrammed from non-neuronal somatic cells without transitioning through a pluripotent state is a particularly attractive strategy. This allows to "scale up" NPCs in vitro and, via their transplantation to the lesion area, partially compensate for the limited regenerative plasticity of the adult spinal cord in humans. As recently demonstrated in non-human primates, implanted NPCs contribute to the functional improvement of the spinal cord after injury, and works in other animal models of SCI also confirm their therapeutic value. However, direct reprogramming still remains a challenge in many aspects; one of them is low efficiency, which prevents it from finding its place in clinics yet. In this review, we describe new insights that recent works brought to the field, such as novel targets (mitochondria, nucleoli, G-quadruplexes, and others), tools, and approaches (mechanotransduction and electrical stimulation) for direct pro-neural reprogramming, including potential ones yet to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria A. Chudakova
- Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina M. Samoilova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialised Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Chekhonin
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology of Medical and Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Federal Center for Brain and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialised Medical Care and Medical Technologies FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology of Medical and Biological Faculty, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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21
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Kim SJ, Ko WK, Han GH, Lee D, Cho MJ, Sheen SH, Sohn S. Axon guidance gene-targeted siRNA delivery system improves neural stem cell transplantation therapy after spinal cord injury. Biomater Res 2023; 27:101. [PMID: 37840145 PMCID: PMC10577901 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00434-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from the embryonic spinal cord are excellent candidates for the cellular regeneration of lost neural cells after spinal cord injury (SCI). Semaphorin 3 A (Sema3A) is well known as being implicated in the major axon guidance of the growth cone as a repulsive function during the development of the central nervous system, yet its function in NSC transplantation therapy for SCI has not been investigated. Here, we report for the first time that embryonic spinal cord-derived NSCs significantly express Sema3A in the SCI environment, potentially facilitating inhibition of cell proliferation after transplantation. METHODS siRNA-Sema3A was conjugated with poly-l-lysin-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through a charge interaction process. NSCs were isolated from embryonic spinal cords of rats. Then, the cells were embedded into a dual-degradable hydrogel with the siRNA- Sema3A loaded-AuNPs and transplanted after complete SCI in rats. RESULTS The knockdown of Sema3A by delivering siRNA nanoparticles via dual-degradable hydrogels led to a significant increase in cell survival and neuronal differentiation of the transplanted NSCs after SCI. Of note, the knockdown of Sema3A increased the synaptic connectivity of transplanted NSC in the injured spinal cord. Moreover, extracellular matrix molecule and functional recovery were significantly improved in Sema3A-inhibited rats compared to those in rats with only NSCs transplanted. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the important role of Sema3A in NSC transplantation therapy, which may be considered as a future cell transplantation therapy for SCI cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Jun Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang- gu, Seongnam-si, 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Kyu Ko
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang- gu, Seongnam-si, 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gong Ho Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang- gu, Seongnam-si, 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Daye Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang- gu, Seongnam-si, 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jai Cho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chungbuk National University, 776, 1Sunhawn-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hun Sheen
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang- gu, Seongnam-si, 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seil Sohn
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59, Yatap-ro, Bundang- gu, Seongnam-si, 13496, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Kim WK, Son YS, Lim JH, Kim WH, Kang BJ. Neural stem/progenitor cells from adult canine cervical spinal cord have the potential to differentiate into neural lineage cells. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:193. [PMID: 37803301 PMCID: PMC10557334 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND • Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are multipotent self-renewing cells that can be isolated from the brain or spinal cord. As they need to be isolated from neural tissues, it is difficult to study human NSPCs. To facilitate NSPC research, we attempted to isolate NSPCs from dogs, as dogs share the environment and having many similar diseases with humans. We collected and established primary cultures of ependymal and subependymal cells from the central canal of the cervical spinal cord of adult dogs. To isolate pure NSPCs, we employed the monolayer culture and selective medium culture methods. We further tested the ability of the NSPCs to form neurospheres (using the suspension culture method) and evaluated their differentiation potential. RESULTS • The cells had the ability to grow as cultures for up to 10 passages; the growth curves of the cells at the 3rd, 6th, and 9th passages showed similar patterns. The NSPCs were able to grow as neurospheres as well as monolayers, and immunostaining at the 3rd, 6th, and 9th passages showed that these cells expressed NSPC markers such as nestin and SOX2 (immunofluorescent staining). Monolayer cultures of NSPCs at the 3rd, 6th, and 9th passages were cultured for approximately 14 days using a differentiation medium and were observed to successfully differentiate into neural lineage and glial cells (astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocytes) at all the three passages tested. CONCLUSION • It is feasible to isolate and propagate (up to at least 10 passages) canine cervical spinal cord-derived NSPCs with the capacity to differentiate into neuronal and glial cells. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study to successfully isolate, propagate, and differentiate canine NSPCs derived from cervical spinal cord in the adult canine, and we believe that these cells will contribute to the field of spinal cord regeneration in veterinary and comparative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Keyoung Kim
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
- BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Yeon Sung Son
- Medical Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hey Lim
- Department of Neurology/Neurosurgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211, USA
| | - Wan Hee Kim
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Byung-Jae Kang
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
- BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
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23
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Tian T, Zhang S, Yang M. Recent progress and challenges in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Protein Cell 2023; 14:635-652. [PMID: 36856750 PMCID: PMC10501188 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the structural and functional connectivity between the higher center and the spinal cord, resulting in severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction with a variety of complications. The pathophysiology of SCI is complicated and multifaceted, and thus individual treatments acting on a specific aspect or process are inadequate to elicit neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after SCI. Combinatory strategies targeting multiple aspects of SCI pathology have achieved greater beneficial effects than individual therapy alone. Although many problems and challenges remain, the encouraging outcomes that have been achieved in preclinical models offer a promising foothold for the development of novel clinical strategies to treat SCI. In this review, we characterize the mechanisms underlying axon regeneration of adult neurons and summarize recent advances in facilitating functional recovery following SCI at both the acute and chronic stages. In addition, we analyze the current status, remaining problems, and realistic challenges towards clinical translation. Finally, we consider the future of SCI treatment and provide insights into how to narrow the translational gap that currently exists between preclinical studies and clinical practice. Going forward, clinical trials should emphasize multidisciplinary conversation and cooperation to identify optimal combinatorial approaches to maximize therapeutic benefit in humans with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Tian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Sensen Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Maojun Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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24
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Forouharshad M, Raspa A, Marchini A, Ciulla MG, Magnoni A, Gelain F. Biomimetic Electrospun Self-Assembling Peptide Scaffolds for Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in Neural Tissue Engineering. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2261. [PMID: 37765230 PMCID: PMC10536048 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord regeneration using stem cell transplantation is a promising strategy for regenerative therapy. Stem cells transplanted onto scaffolds that can mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM) have the potential to significantly improve outcomes. In this study, we strived to develop a cell carrier by culturing neural stem cells (NSCs) onto electrospun 2D and 3D constructs made up of specific crosslinked functionalized self-assembling peptides (SAPs) featuring enhanced biomimetic and biomechanical properties. Morphology, architecture, and secondary structures of electrospun scaffolds in the solid-state and electrospinning solution were studied step by step. Morphological studies showed the benefit of mixed peptides and surfactants as additives to form thinner, uniform, and defect-free fibers. It has been observed that β-sheet conformation as evidence of self-assembling has been predominant throughout the process except for the electrospinning solution. In vitro NSCs seeded on electrospun SAP scaffolds in 2D and 3D conditions displayed desirable proliferation, viability, and differentiation in comparison to the gold standard. In vivo biocompatibility assay confirmed the permissibility of implanted fibrous channels by foreign body reaction. The results of this study demonstrated that fibrous 2D/3D electrospun SAP scaffolds, when shaped as micro-channels, can be suitable to support NSC transplantation for regeneration following spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Forouharshad
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Andrea Raspa
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Amanda Marchini
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Maria Gessica Ciulla
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Alice Magnoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gelain
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
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25
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Niu Y, Liu J, Qin H, Liu Y, Huang N, Jiang J, Chen Y, Chen S, Bai T, Yang C, Cao Y, Liu S, Yuan H. Development of an innovative minimally invasive primate spinal cord injury model: A case report. IBRAIN 2023; 9:349-356. [PMID: 37786753 PMCID: PMC10527794 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) animal models have been widely created and utilized for repair therapy research, but more suitable experimental animals and accurate modeling methodologies are required to achieve the desired results. In this experiment, we constructed an innovative dorsal 1/4 spinal cord transection macaque model that had fewer severe problems, facilitating postoperative care and recovery. In essence, given that monkeys and humans share similar genetics and physiology, the efficacy of this strategy in a nonhuman primate SCI model basically serves as a good basis for its prospective therapeutic use in human SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong‐Min Niu
- Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Jin‐Xiang Liu
- Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Hao‐Yue Qin
- Department of AnesthesiologySouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouSichuanChina
| | - Yi‐Fan Liu
- Yunnan Cancer HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical UniversityYunnanChina
| | - Ni‐Jiao Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Ji‐Li Jiang
- Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Yan‐Qiu Chen
- School of Preclinical MedicalZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Si‐Jing Chen
- Nursing SchoolZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Tao Bai
- School of Preclinical MedicalKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
| | - Chang‐Wei Yang
- Department of Nuclear MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Nuclear MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Sheng Liu
- Pharmacology InstituteHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Hao Yuan
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
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26
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Li J, Luo W, Xiao C, Zhao J, Xiang C, Liu W, Gu R. Recent advances in endogenous neural stem/progenitor cell manipulation for spinal cord injury repair. Theranostics 2023; 13:3966-3987. [PMID: 37554275 PMCID: PMC10405838 DOI: 10.7150/thno.84133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause severe neurological impairments. Clinically available treatments are quite limited, with unsatisfactory remediation effects. Residing endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (eNSPCs) tend to differentiate towards astrocytes, leaving only a small fraction towards oligodendrocytes and even fewer towards neurons; this has been suggested as one of the reasons for the failure of autonomous neuronal regeneration. Thus, finding ways to recruit and facilitate the differentiation of eNSPCs towards neurons has been considered a promising strategy for the noninvasive and immune-compatible treatment of SCI. The present manuscript first introduces the responses of eNSPCs after exogenous interventions to boost endogenous neurogenesis in various SCI models. Then, we focus on state-of-art manipulation approaches that enhance the intrinsic neurogenesis capacity and reconstruct the hostile microenvironment, mainly consisting of pharmacological treatments, stem cell-derived exosome administration, gene therapy, functional scaffold implantation, inflammation regulation, and inhibitory element delineation. Facing the extremely complex situation of SCI, combined treatments are also highlighted to provide more clues for future relevant investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Luo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunsheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyu Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanguo Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Gu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
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Lear BP, Moore DL. Moving CNS axon growth and regeneration research into human model systems. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1198041. [PMID: 37425013 PMCID: PMC10324669 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1198041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon regeneration is limited in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Rodent studies have shown that developmental age can drive differences in intrinsic axon growth ability, such that embryonic rodent CNS neurons extend long axons while postnatal and adult CNS neurons do not. In recent decades, scientists have identified several intrinsic developmental regulators in rodents that modulate growth. However, whether this developmentally programmed decline in CNS axon growth is conserved in humans is not yet known. Until recently, there have been limited human neuronal model systems, and even fewer age-specific human models. Human in vitro models range from pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly reprogrammed (transdifferentiated) neurons derived from human somatic cells. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system, and how studying axon growth in human neurons can provide species-specific knowledge in the field of CNS axon regeneration with the goal of bridging basic science studies to clinical trials. Additionally, with the increased availability and quality of 'omics datasets of human cortical tissue across development and lifespan, scientists can mine these datasets for developmentally regulated pathways and genes. As there has been little research performed in human neurons to study modulators of axon growth, here we provide a summary of approaches to begin to shift the field of CNS axon growth and regeneration into human model systems to uncover novel drivers of axon growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Darcie L. Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Liu JA, Tam KW, Chen YL, Feng X, Chan CWL, Lo ALH, Wu KLK, Hui MN, Wu MH, Chan KKK, Cheung MPL, Cheung CW, Shum DKY, Chan YS, Cheung M. Transplanting Human Neural Stem Cells with ≈50% Reduction of SOX9 Gene Dosage Promotes Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery from Severe Spinal Cord Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2205804. [PMID: 37296073 PMCID: PMC10369238 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are considered a major cell source for reconstructing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration. However, the microenvironment at the site of spinal cord injury (SCI) and inadequate intrinsic factors limit the therapeutic potential of transplanted NSCs. Here, it is shown that half dose of SOX9 in hPSCs-derived NSCs (hNSCs) results in robust neuronal differentiation bias toward motor neuron lineage. The enhanced neurogenic potency is partly attributed to the reduction of glycolysis. These neurogenic and metabolic properties retain after transplantation of hNSCs with reduced SOX9 expression in a contusive SCI rat model without the need for growth factor-enriched matrices. Importantly, the grafts exhibit excellent integration properties, predominantly differentiate into motor neurons, reduce glial scar matrix accumulation to facilitate long-distance axon growth and neuronal connectivity with the host as well as dramatically improve locomotor and somatosensory function in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that hNSCs with half SOX9 gene dosage can overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers, representing a powerful therapeutic potential for transplantation treatments for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianglan Feng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christy Wing Lam Chan
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amos Lok Hang Lo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Ning Hui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Hoi Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Kwok-Keung Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Pui Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Hasanzadeh E, Seifalian A, Mellati A, Saremi J, Asadpour S, Enderami SE, Nekounam H, Mahmoodi N. Injectable hydrogels in central nervous system: Unique and novel platforms for promoting extracellular matrix remodeling and tissue engineering. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100614. [PMID: 37008830 PMCID: PMC10050787 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Repairing central nervous system (CNS) is difficult due to the inability of neurons to recover after damage. A clinically acceptable treatment to promote CNS functional recovery and regeneration is currently unavailable. According to recent studies, injectable hydrogels as biodegradable scaffolds for CNS tissue engineering and regeneration have exceptionally desirable attributes. Hydrogel has a biomimetic structure similar to extracellular matrix, hence has been considered a 3D scaffold for CNS regeneration. An interesting new type of hydrogel, injectable hydrogels, can be injected into target areas with little invasiveness and imitate several aspects of CNS. Injectable hydrogels are being researched as therapeutic agents because they may imitate numerous properties of CNS tissues and hence reduce subsequent injury and regenerate neural tissue. Because of their less adverse effects and cost, easier use and implantation with less pain, and faster regeneration capacity, injectable hydrogels, are more desirable than non-injectable hydrogels. This article discusses the pathophysiology of CNS and the use of several kinds of injectable hydrogels for brain and spinal cord tissue engineering, paying particular emphasis to recent experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hasanzadeh
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Corresponding author. School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Valie-Asr Boulevard, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.
| | - Alexander Seifalian
- Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine Commercialisation Centre (NanoRegMed Ltd, Nanoloom Ltd, & Liberum Health Ltd), London BioScience Innovation Centre, 2 Royal College Street, London, UK
| | - Amir Mellati
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Jamileh Saremi
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Shiva Asadpour
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Enderami
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Houra Nekounam
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Mahmoodi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding author. Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Hasan-Abad Square, Imam Khomeini Ave., Tehran, 11365-3876, Iran.
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30
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Son D, Zheng J, Kim IY, Kang PJ, Park K, Priscilla L, Hong W, Yoon BS, Park G, Yoo JE, Song G, Lee JB, You S. Human induced neural stem cells support functional recovery in spinal cord injury models. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1182-1192. [PMID: 37258581 PMCID: PMC10318049 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a clinical condition that leads to permanent and/or progressive disabilities of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Unfortunately, no medical standard of care for SCI exists to reverse the damage. Here, we assessed the effects of induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) directly converted from human urine cells (UCs) in SCI rat models. We successfully generated iNSCs from human UCs, commercial fibroblasts, and patient-derived fibroblasts. These iNSCs expressed various neural stem cell markers and differentiated into diverse neuronal and glial cell types. When transplanted into injured spinal cords, UC-derived iNSCs survived, engrafted, and expressed neuronal and glial markers. Large numbers of axons extended from grafts over long distances, leading to connections between host and graft neurons at 8 weeks post-transplantation with significant improvement of locomotor function. This study suggests that iNSCs have biomedical applications for disease modeling and constitute an alternative transplantation strategy as a personalized cell source for neural regeneration in several spinal cord diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryeon Son
- Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jie Zheng
- Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - In Yong Kim
- Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Phil Jun Kang
- Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungmin Park
- Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Lia Priscilla
- Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonjun Hong
- Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Sun Yoon
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine, STEMLAB, Inc., Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyuman Park
- Institute of Future Medicine, STEMLAB, Inc., Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Yoo
- Institute of Future Medicine, STEMLAB, Inc., Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jang-Bo Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seungkwon You
- Laboratory of Cell Function Regulation, Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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31
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Michel-Flutot P, Lane MA, Lepore AC, Vinit S. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Respiratory Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury: From Preclinical Development to Clinical Translation. Cells 2023; 12:1519. [PMID: 37296640 PMCID: PMC10252981 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
High spinal cord injuries (SCIs) lead to permanent functional deficits, including respiratory dysfunction. Patients living with such conditions often rely on ventilatory assistance to survive, and even those that can be weaned continue to suffer life-threatening impairments. There is currently no treatment for SCI that is capable of providing complete recovery of diaphragm activity and respiratory function. The diaphragm is the main inspiratory muscle, and its activity is controlled by phrenic motoneurons (phMNs) located in the cervical (C3-C5) spinal cord. Preserving and/or restoring phMN activity following a high SCI is essential for achieving voluntary control of breathing. In this review, we will highlight (1) the current knowledge of inflammatory and spontaneous pro-regenerative processes occurring after SCI, (2) key therapeutics developed to date, and (3) how these can be harnessed to drive respiratory recovery following SCIs. These therapeutic approaches are typically first developed and tested in relevant preclinical models, with some of them having been translated into clinical studies. A better understanding of inflammatory and pro-regenerative processes, as well as how they can be therapeutically manipulated, will be the key to achieving optimal functional recovery following SCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Michel-Flutot
- END-ICAP, UVSQ, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 78000 Versailles, France;
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Michael A. Lane
- Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA;
| | - Angelo C. Lepore
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Synaptic Biology Center, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA;
| | - Stéphane Vinit
- END-ICAP, UVSQ, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, 78000 Versailles, France;
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Georgelou K, Saridaki EA, Karali K, Papagiannaki A, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Tzeranis DS. Microneurotrophin BNN27 Reduces Astrogliosis and Increases Density of Neurons and Implanted Neural Stem Cell-Derived Cells after Spinal Cord Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041170. [PMID: 37189788 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microneurotrophins, small-molecule mimetics of endogenous neurotrophins, have demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on various animal models of neurological diseases. Nevertheless, their effects on central nervous system injuries remain unknown. Herein, we evaluate the effects of microneurotrophin BNN27, an NGF analog, in the mouse dorsal column crush spinal cord injury (SCI) model. BNN27 was delivered systemically either by itself or combined with neural stem cell (NSC)-seeded collagen-based scaffold grafts, demonstrated recently to improve locomotion performance in the same SCI model. Data validate the ability of NSC-seeded grafts to enhance locomotion recovery, neuronal cell integration with surrounding tissues, axonal elongation and angiogenesis. Our findings also show that systemic administration of BNN27 significantly reduced astrogliosis and increased neuron density in mice SCI lesion sites at 12 weeks post injury. Furthermore, when BNN27 administration was combined with NSC-seeded PCS grafts, BNN27 increased the density of survived implanted NSC-derived cells, possibly addressing a major challenge of NSC-based SCI treatments. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that small-molecule mimetics of endogenous neurotrophins can contribute to effective combinatorial treatments for SCI, by simultaneously regulating key events of SCI and supporting grafted cell therapies in the lesion site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Georgelou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Argyri Papagiannaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios S Tzeranis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
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33
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Yu H, Yang S, Li H, Wu R, Lai B, Zheng Q. Activating Endogenous Neurogenesis for Spinal Cord Injury Repair: Recent Advances and Future Prospects. Neurospine 2023; 20:164-180. [PMID: 37016865 PMCID: PMC10080446 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2245184.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), endogenous neural stem cells are activated and migrate to the injury site where they differentiate into astrocytes, but they rarely differentiate into neurons. It is difficult for brain-derived information to be transmitted through the injury site after SCI because of the lack of neurons that can relay neural information through the injury site, and the functional recovery of adult mammals is difficult to achieve. The development of bioactive materials, tissue engineering, stem cell therapy, and physiotherapy has provided new strategies for the treatment of SCI and shown broad application prospects, such as promoting endogenous neurogenesis after SCI. In this review, we focus on novel approaches including tissue engineering, stem cell technology, and physiotherapy to promote endogenous neurogenesis and their therapeutic effects on SCI. Moreover, we explore the mechanisms and challenges of endogenous neurogenesis for the repair of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shangbin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Rongjie Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Biqin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Co-corresponding Author Biqin Lai Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiujian Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Corresponding Author Qiujian Zheng Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhao X, Gu R, Zhao Y, Wei F, Gao X, Zhuang Y, Xiao Z, Shen H, Dai J. Adult spinal cord tissue transplantation combined with local tacrolimus sustained-release collagen hydrogel promotes complete spinal cord injury repair. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13451. [PMID: 36916024 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The strategy of replacing a completely damaged spinal cord with allogenic adult spinal cord tissues (aSCs) can potentially repair complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in combination with immunosuppressive drugs, such as tacrolimus (Tac), which suppress transplant rejection and improve graft survival. However, daily systemic administration of immunosuppressive agents may cause harsh side effects. Herein, a localized, sustained Tac-release collagen hydrogel (Col/Tac) was developed to maximize the immune regulatory efficacy but minimize the side effects of Tac after aSC transplantation in complete SCI recipients. Thoracic aSCs of rat donors were transplanted into the complete thoracic spinal cord transection rat recipients, after which Col/Tac hydrogel was implanted. The Tac-encapsulated collagen hydrogel exhibited suitable mechanical properties and long-term sustained Tac release behaviour. After Col/Tac hydrogel implantation in SCI rats with aSC transplantation, the recipients' survival rate significantly improved and the side effects on tissues were reduced compared with those with conventional Tac medication. Moreover, treatment with the Col/Tac hydrogel exhibited similarly reduced immune rejection levels by regulating immune responses and promoted neurogenesis compared to daily Tac injections, and thus improved functional restoration. Localized delivery of immunosuppressive agents by the Col/Tac hydrogel may be a promising strategy for overcoming immune rejection of transplants, with significant potential for clinical application in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhao Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Gu
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xu Gao
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - He Shen
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of NanoTech and NanoBionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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35
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Current Advancements in Spinal Cord Injury Research—Glial Scar Formation and Neural Regeneration. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060853. [PMID: 36980193 PMCID: PMC10046908 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury resulting in permanent and degenerating damage to the central nervous system (CNS). Detrimental cellular processes occur after SCI, including axonal degeneration, neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, reactive gliosis, and scar formation. The glial scar border forms to segregate the neural lesion and isolate spreading inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and excitotoxicity at the injury epicenter to preserve surrounding healthy tissue. The scar border is a physicochemical barrier composed of elongated astrocytes, fibroblasts, and microglia secreting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, collogen, and the dense extra-cellular matrix. While this physiological response preserves viable neural tissue, it is also detrimental to regeneration. To overcome negative outcomes associated with scar formation, therapeutic strategies have been developed: the prevention of scar formation, the resolution of the developed scar, cell transplantation into the lesion, and endogenous cell reprogramming. This review focuses on cellular/molecular aspects of glial scar formation, and discusses advantages and disadvantages of strategies to promote regeneration after SCI.
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Xu J, Fang S, Deng S, Li H, Lin X, Huang Y, Chung S, Shu Y, Shao Z. Generation of neural organoids for spinal-cord regeneration via the direct reprogramming of human astrocytes. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:253-269. [PMID: 36424465 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00963-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Organoids with region-specific architecture could facilitate the repair of injuries of the central nervous system. Here we show that human astrocytes can be directly reprogrammed into early neuroectodermal cells via the overexpression of OCT4, the suppression of p53 and the provision of the small molecules CHIR99021, SB431542, RepSox and Y27632. We also report that the activation of signalling mediated by fibroblast growth factor, sonic hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein 4 in the reprogrammed cells induces them to form spinal-cord organoids with functional neurons specific to the dorsal and ventral domains. In mice with complete spinal-cord injury, organoids transplanted into the lesion differentiated into spinal-cord neurons, which migrated and formed synapses with host neurons. The direct reprogramming of human astrocytes into neurons may pave the way for in vivo neural organogenesis from endogenous astrocytes for the repair of injuries to the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Xu
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shi Fang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Suixin Deng
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Li
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoning Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yongheng Huang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sangmi Chung
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Yousheng Shu
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhicheng Shao
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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Romantsik O, Moreira A, Thébaud B, Ådén U, Ley D, Bruschettini M. Stem cell-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of intraventricular haemorrhage and encephalopathy of prematurity in preterm infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 2:CD013201. [PMID: 36790019 PMCID: PMC9932000 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013201.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germinal matrix-intraventricular haemorrhage (GMH-IVH) and encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP) remain substantial issues in neonatal intensive care units worldwide. Current therapies to prevent or treat these conditions are limited. Stem cell-based therapies offer a potential therapeutic approach to repair, restore, or regenerate injured brain tissue. These preclinical findings have now culminated in ongoing human neonatal studies. This is an update of the 2019 review, which did not include EoP. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits and harms of stem cell-based interventions for prevention or treatment of GM-IVH and EoP in preterm infants. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search was April 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA We attempted to include randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised controlled trials, and cluster trials comparing 1. stem cell-based interventions versus control; 2. mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) of type or source versus MSCs of other type or source; 3. stem cell-based interventions other than MSCs of type or source versus stem cell-based interventions other than MSCs of other type or source; or 4. MSCs versus stem cell-based interventions other than MSCs. For prevention studies, we included extremely preterm infants (less than 28 weeks' gestation), 24 hours of age or less, without ultrasound diagnosis of GM-IVH or EoP; for treatment studies, we included preterm infants (less than 37 weeks' gestation), of any postnatal age, with ultrasound diagnosis of GM-IVH or with EoP. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. all-cause neonatal mortality, 2. major neurodevelopmental disability, 3. GM-IVH, 4. EoP, and 5. extension of pre-existing non-severe GM-IVH or EoP. We planned to use GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We identified no studies that met our inclusion criteria. Three studies are currently registered and ongoing. Phase 1 trials are described in the 'Excluded studies' section. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS No evidence is currently available to evaluate the benefits and harms of stem cell-based interventions for treatment or prevention of GM-IVH or EoP in preterm infants. We identified three ongoing studies, with a sample size range from 20 to 200. In two studies, autologous cord blood mononuclear cells will be administered to extremely preterm infants via the intravenous route; in one, intracerebroventricular injection of MSCs will be administered to preterm infants up to 34 weeks' gestational age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Romantsik
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Paediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Moreira
- Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Bernard Thébaud
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ulrika Ådén
- Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Ley
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Paediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Matteo Bruschettini
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Paediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Cochrane Sweden, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Human spinal GABA neurons survive and mature in the injured nonhuman primate spinal cord. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:439-448. [PMID: 36669493 PMCID: PMC9969075 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to permanent neural dysfunction without effective therapies. We previously showed that human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived spinal GABA neurons can alleviate spasticity and promote locomotion in rats after SCI, but whether this strategy can be translated into the clinic remains elusive. Here, a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of SCI was established in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in which the T10 spinal cord was hemisected, resulting in neural conduction failure and neural dysfunction, including locomotion deficits, pain, and spasms. Grafted human spinal GABA neurons survived for up to 7.5 months in the injured monkey spinal cord and retained their intrinsic properties, becoming mature and growing axons and forming synapses. Importantly, they are functionally alive, as evidenced by designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug (DREADD) activation. These findings represent a significant step toward the clinical translation of human spinal neuron transplantation for treating SCI.
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Liu W, Xu B, Zhao S, Han S, Quan R, Liu W, Ji C, Chen B, Xiao Z, Yin M, Yin Y, Dai J, Zhao Y. Spinal cord tissue engineering via covalent interaction between biomaterials and cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade8829. [PMID: 36753555 PMCID: PMC9908024 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade8829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Noncovalent interactions between cells and environmental cues have been recognized as fundamental physiological interactions that regulate cell behavior. However, the effects of the covalent interactions between cells and biomaterials on cell behavior have not been examined. Here, we demonstrate a combined strategy based on covalent conjugation between biomaterials (collagen fibers/lipid nanoparticles) and various cells (exogenous neural progenitor cells/astrocytes/endogenous tissue-resident cells) to promote neural regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). We found that metabolic azido-labeled human neural progenitor cells conjugated on dibenzocyclooctyne-modified collagen fibers significantly promoted cell adhesion, spreading, and differentiation compared with noncovalent adhesion. In addition, dibenzocyclooctyne-modified lipid nanoparticles containing edaravone, a well-known ROS scavenger, could target azide-labeled spinal cord tissues or transplanted azide-modified astrocytes to improve the SCI microenvironment. The combined application of these covalent conjugation strategies in a rat SCI model boosted neural regeneration, suggesting that the covalent interactions between cells and biomaterials have great potential for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Bai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Shuaijing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shuyu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Rui Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Chunnan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Man Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yanyun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
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40
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Suzuki H, Imajo Y, Funaba M, Ikeda H, Nishida N, Sakai T. Current Concepts of Biomaterial Scaffolds and Regenerative Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032528. [PMID: 36768846 PMCID: PMC9917245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic condition associated with significant neurological deficit and social and financial burdens. It is currently being managed symptomatically, with no real therapeutic strategies available. In recent years, a number of innovative regenerative strategies have emerged and have been continuously investigated in preclinical research and clinical trials. In the near future, several more are expected to come down the translational pipeline. Among ongoing and completed trials are those reporting the use of biomaterial scaffolds. The advancements in biomaterial technology, combined with stem cell therapy or other regenerative therapy, can now accelerate the progress of promising novel therapeutic strategies from bench to bedside. Various types of approaches to regeneration therapy for SCI have been combined with the use of supportive biomaterial scaffolds as a drug and cell delivery system to facilitate favorable cell-material interactions and the supportive effect of neuroprotection. In this review, we summarize some of the most recent insights of preclinical and clinical studies using biomaterial scaffolds in regenerative therapy for SCI and summarized the biomaterial strategies for treatment with simplified results data. One hundred and sixty-eight articles were selected in the present review, in which we focused on biomaterial scaffolds. We conducted our search of articles using PubMed and Medline, a medical database. We used a combination of "Spinal cord injury" and ["Biomaterial", or "Scaffold"] as search terms and searched articles published up until 30 April 2022. Successful future therapies will require these biomaterial scaffolds and other synergistic approaches to address the persistent barriers to regeneration, including glial scarring, the loss of a structural framework, and biocompatibility. This database could serve as a benchmark to progress in future clinical trials for SCI using biomaterial scaffolds.
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Griffin JM, Hingorani Jai Prakash S, Bockemühl T, Benner JM, Schaffran B, Moreno-Manzano V, Büschges A, Bradke F. Rehabilitation enhances epothilone-induced locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad005. [PMID: 36744011 PMCID: PMC9893225 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule stabilization through epothilones is a promising preclinical therapy for functional recovery following spinal cord injury that stimulates axon regeneration, reduces growth-inhibitory molecule deposition and promotes functional improvements. Rehabilitation therapy is the only clinically validated approach to promote functional improvements following spinal cord injury. However, whether microtubule stabilization can augment the beneficial effects of rehabilitation therapy or act in concert with it to further promote repair remains unknown. Here, we investigated the pharmacokinetic, histological and functional efficacies of epothilone D, epothilone B and ixabepilone alone or in combination with rehabilitation following a moderate contusive spinal cord injury. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that ixabepilone only weakly crossed the blood-brain barrier and was subsequently excluded from further investigations. In contrast, epothilones B and D rapidly distributed to CNS compartments displaying similar profiles after either subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections. Following injury and subcutaneous administration of epothilone B or D, rats were subjected to 7 weeks of sequential bipedal and quadrupedal training. For all outcome measures, epothilone B was efficacious compared with epothilone D. Specifically, epothilone B decreased fibrotic scaring which was associated with a retention of fibronectin localized to perivascular cells in sections distal to the lesion. This corresponded to a decreased number of cells present within the intralesional space, resulting in less axons within the lesion. Instead, epothilone B increased serotonergic fibre regeneration and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 expression caudal to the lesion, which was not affected by rehabilitation. Multiparametric behavioural analyses consisting of open-field locomotor scoring, horizontal ladder, catwalk gait analysis and hindlimb kinematics revealed that rehabilitation and epothilone B both improved several aspects of locomotion. Specifically, rehabilitation improved open-field locomotor and ladder scores, as well as improving the gait parameters of limb coupling, limb support, stride length and limb speed; epothilone B improved these same gait parameters but also hindlimb kinematic profiles. Functional improvements by epothilone B and rehabilitation acted complementarily on gait parameters leading to an enhanced recovery in the combination group. As a result, principal component analysis of gait showed the greatest improvement in the epothilone B plus rehabilitation group. Thus, these results support the combination of epothilone B with rehabilitation in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarred M Griffin
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Jarred Griffin The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Venusberg-Campus 1/99, Bonn 53127, Germany E-mail:
| | - Sonia Hingorani Jai Prakash
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia 46012, Spain
| | - Till Bockemühl
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Cologne 50674, Germany
| | - Jessica M Benner
- Laboratory for Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Barbara Schaffran
- Laboratory for Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Victoria Moreno-Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia 46012, Spain
| | - Ansgar Büschges
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Cologne 50674, Germany
| | - Frank Bradke
- Correspondence to: Frank Bradke The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Venusberg-Campus 1/99, Bonn 53127, Germany E-mail:
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Zheng B, Tuszynski MH. Regulation of axonal regeneration after mammalian spinal cord injury. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:396-413. [PMID: 36604586 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00562-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
One hundred years ago, Ramón y Cajal, considered by many as the founder of modern neuroscience, stated that neurons of the adult central nervous system (CNS) are incapable of regenerating. Yet, recent years have seen a tremendous expansion of knowledge in the molecular control of axon regeneration after CNS injury. We now understand that regeneration in the adult CNS is limited by (1) a failure to form cellular or molecular substrates for axon attachment and elongation through the lesion site; (2) environmental factors, including inhibitors of axon growth associated with myelin and the extracellular matrix; (3) astrocyte responses, which can both limit and support axon growth; and (4) intraneuronal mechanisms controlling the establishment of an active cellular growth programme. We discuss these topics together with newly emerging hypotheses, including the surprising finding from transcriptomic analyses of the corticospinal system in mice that neurons revert to an embryonic state after spinal cord injury, which can be sustained to promote regeneration with neural stem cell transplantation. These gains in knowledge are steadily advancing efforts to develop effective treatment strategies for spinal cord injury in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binhai Zheng
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,VA San Diego Research Service, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Mark H Tuszynski
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,VA San Diego Research Service, San Diego, CA, USA.
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43
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Reshamwala R, Shah M. Regenerative Approaches in the Nervous System. Regen Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-6008-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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44
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Chaudhari LR, Kawale AA, Desai SS, Kashte SB, Joshi MG. Pathophysiology of Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Engineering Approach for Its Neuronal Regeneration: Current Status and Future Prospects. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1409:51-81. [PMID: 36038807 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a very debilitating condition causing loss of sensory and motor function as well as multiple organ failures. Current therapeutic options like surgery and pharmacotherapy show positive results but are incapable of providing a complete cure for chronic SCI symptoms. Tissue engineering, including neuroprotective or growth factors, stem cells, and biomaterial scaffolds, grabs attention because of their potential for regeneration and ability to bridge the gap in the injured spinal cord (SC). Preclinical studies with tissue engineering showed functional recovery and neurorestorative effects. Few clinical trials show the safety and efficacy of the tissue engineering approach. However, more studies should be carried out for potential treatment modalities. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiology of SCI and its current treatment modalities, including surgical, pharmacological, and tissue engineering approaches following SCI in preclinical and clinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena R Chaudhari
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Akshay A Kawale
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sangeeta S Desai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Institute, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shivaji B Kashte
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Meghnad G Joshi
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
- Stem Plus Biotech, SMK Commercial Complex, Sangli, Maharashtra, India.
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45
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BDNF guides neural stem cell-derived axons to ventral interneurons and motor neurons after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114259. [PMID: 36309123 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) implanted into sites of spinal cord injury (SCI) extend very large numbers of new axons over very long distances caudal to the lesion site, and support partial functional recovery. Newly extending graft axons distribute throughout host gray and white matter caudal to the injury. We hypothesized that provision of trophic gradients caudal to the injury would provide neurotrophic guidance to newly extending graft-derived axons to specific intermediate and ventral host gray matter regions, thereby potentially further improving neural relay formation. Immunodeficient rats underwent C5 lateral hemisection lesions, following by implants of human NSC grafts two weeks later. After an additional two weeks, animals received injections of AAV2-BDNF expressing vectors three spinal segments (9 mm) caudal to the lesion in host ventral and intermediate gray matter. After 2 months additional survival, we found a striking, 5.5-fold increase in the density of human axons innervating host ventral gray matter (P < 0.05) and 2.7-fold increase in intermediate gray matter (P < 0.01). Moreover, stem cell-derived axons formed a substantially greater number of putative synaptic connections with host motor neurons (P < 0.01). Thus, trophic guidance is an effective means of enhancing and guiding neural stem cell axon growth after SCI and will be used in future experiments to determine whether neural relay formation and functional outcomes can be improved.
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46
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Anderson MA, Squair JW, Gautier M, Hutson TH, Kathe C, Barraud Q, Bloch J, Courtine G. Natural and targeted circuit reorganization after spinal cord injury. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1584-1596. [PMID: 36396975 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and the circuits in the spinal cord that regulate neurological functions. The consequences are permanent paralysis, loss of sensation and debilitating dysautonomia. However, the majority of circuits located above and below the injury remain anatomically intact, and these circuits can reorganize naturally to improve function. In addition, various neuromodulation therapies have tapped into these processes to further augment recovery. Emerging research is illuminating the requirements to reconstitute damaged circuits. Here, we summarize these natural and targeted reorganizations of circuits after a spinal cord injury. We also advocate for new concepts of reorganizing circuits informed by multi-omic single-cell atlases of recovery from injury. These atlases will uncover the molecular logic that governs the selection of 'recovery-organizing' neuronal subpopulations, and are poised to herald a new era in spinal cord medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Anderson
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jordan W Squair
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthieu Gautier
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas H Hutson
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Kathe
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Barraud
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyne Bloch
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Courtine
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Rao JS, Zhao C, Wei RH, Feng T, Bao SS, Zhao W, Tian Z, Liu Z, Yang ZY, Li XG. Neural regeneration therapy after spinal cord injury induces unique brain functional reorganizations in rhesus monkeys. Ann Med 2022; 54:1867-1883. [PMID: 35792748 PMCID: PMC9272921 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2089728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Spinal cord injury (SCI) destroys the sensorimotor pathway and induces brain plasticity. However, the effect of treatment-induced spinal cord tissue regeneration on brain functional reorganization remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the large-scale functional interactions in the brains of adult female Rhesus monkeys with injured and regenerated thoracic spinal cord. MATERIALS AND METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) combined with Granger Causality analysis (GCA) and motor behaviour analysis were used to assess the causal interaction between sensorimotor cortices, and calculate the relationship between causal interaction and hindlimb stepping in nine Rhesus monkeys undergoing lesion-induced spontaneous recovery (injured, n = 4) and neurotrophin-3/chitosan transplantation-induced regeneration (NT3-chitosan, n = 5) after SCI. RESULTS The results showed that the injured and NT3-chitosan-treated animals had distinct spatiotemporal features of brain functional reorganization. The spontaneous recovery followed the model of "early intra-hemispheric reorganization dominant, late inter-hemispheric reorganization dominant", whereas regenerative therapy animals showed the opposite trend. Although the variation degree of information flow intensity was consistent, the tendency and the relationship between local neuronal activity properties and coupling strength were different between the two groups. In addition, the injured and NT3-chitosan-treated animals had similar motor adjustments but various relationship modes between motor performance and information flow intensity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that brain functional reorganization induced by regeneration therapy differed from spontaneous recovery after SCI. The influence of unique changes in brain plasticity on the therapeutic effects of future regeneration therapy strategies should be considered. Key messagesNeural regeneration elicited a unique spatiotemporal mode of brain functional reorganization in the spinal cord injured monkeys, and that regeneration does not simply reverse the process of brain plasticity induced by spinal cord injury (SCI).Independent "properties of local activity - intensity of information flow" relationships between the injured and treated animals indicating that spontaneous recovery and regenerative therapy exerted different effects on the reorganization of the motor network after SCI.A specific information flow from the left thalamus to the right insular can serve as an indicator to reflect a heterogeneous "information flow - motor performance" relationship between injured and treated animals at similar motor adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Sheng Rao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, PR China
| | - Rui-Han Wei
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ting Feng
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shu-Sheng Bao
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhaolong Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zuxiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China.,Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei, PR China.,Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zhao-Yang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, PR China
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Lee S, Nam H, Joo KM, Lee SH. Advances in Neural Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: Safety, Efficacy, and Future Perspectives. Neurospine 2022; 19:946-960. [PMID: 36351442 PMCID: PMC9816608 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2244658.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating central nervous system injury that leads to severe disabilities in motor and sensory functions, causing significant deterioration in patients' quality of life. Owing to the complexity of SCI pathophysiology, there has been no effective treatment for reversing neural tissue damage and recovering neurological functions. Several novel therapies targeting different stages of pathophysiological mechanisms of SCI have been developed. Among these, treatments using stem cells have great potential for the regeneration of damaged neural tissues. In this review, we have summarized recent preclinical and clinical studies focusing on neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs are multipotent cells with specific differentiation capabilities for neural lineage. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated the regenerative effects of transplanted NSCs in SCI animal models through both paracrine effects and direct neuronal differentiation, restoring synaptic connectivity and neural networks. Based on the positive results of several preclinical studies, phase I and II clinical trials using NSCs have been performed. Despite several hurdles and issues that need to be addressed in the clinical use of NSCs in patients with SCI, gradual progress in the technical development and therapeutic efficacy of NSCs treatments has enhanced the prospects for cell-based treatments in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjoon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Nam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kyeung-Min Joo
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea,Corresponding Author Kyeung-Min Joo Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Sun-Ho Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea,Co-corresponding Author Sun-Ho Lee Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea
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49
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Giraldo E, Bonilla P, Mellado M, Garcia-Manau P, Rodo C, Alastrue A, Lopez E, Moratonas EC, Pellise F, Đorđević S, Vicent MJ, Moreno Manzano V. Transplantation of Human-Fetal-Spinal-Cord-Derived NPCs Primed with a Polyglutamate-Conjugated Rho/Rock Inhibitor in Acute Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203304. [PMID: 36291170 PMCID: PMC9600863 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural precursor cell (NPC) transplantation represents a promising therapy for treating spinal cord injuries (SCIs); however, despite successful results obtained in preclinical models, the clinical translation of this approach remains challenging due, in part, to the lack of consensus on an optimal cell source for human neuronal cells. Depending on the cell source, additional limitations to NPC-based therapies include high tumorigenic potential, alongside poor graft survival and engraftment into host spinal tissue. We previously demonstrated that NPCs derived from rat fetal spinal cords primed with a polyglutamate (PGA)-conjugated form of the Rho/Rock inhibitor fasudil (PGA-SS-FAS) displayed enhanced neuronal differentiation and graft survival when compared to non-primed NPCs. We now conducted a similar study of human-fetal-spinal-cord-derived NPCs (hfNPCs) from legal gestational interruptions at the late gestational stage, at 19-21.6 weeks. In vitro, expanded hfNPCs retained neural features, multipotency, and self-renewal, which supported the development of a cell banking strategy. Before transplantation, we established a simple procedure to prime hfNPCs by overnight incubation with PGA-SS-FAS (at 50 μM FAS equiv.), which improved neuronal differentiation and overcame neurite-like retraction after lysophosphatidic-acid-induced Rho/Rock activation. The transplantation of primed hfNPCs into immune-deficient mice (NU(NCr)-Foxn1nu) immediately after the eighth thoracic segment compression prompted enhanced migration of grafted cells from the dorsal to the ventral spinal cord, increased preservation of GABAergic inhibitory Lbx1-expressing and glutamatergic excitatory Tlx3-expressing somatosensory interneurons, and elevated the numbers of preserved, c-Fos-expressing, activated neurons surrounding the injury epicenter, all in a low percentage. Overall, the priming procedure using PGA-SS-FAS could represent an alternative methodology to improve the capabilities of the hfNPC lines for a translational approach for acute SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Giraldo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biotechnology. Universitat Politècnica de València, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
- UPV-CIPF Joint Research Unit Disease Mechanisms and Nanomedicine, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Bonilla
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mara Mellado
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Pablo Garcia-Manau
- Maternal-Foetal Medicine Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, E-08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlota Rodo
- Maternal-Foetal Medicine Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, E-08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Alastrue
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eric Lopez
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Ferran Pellise
- Spine Surgery Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, E-08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Snežana Đorđević
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - María J. Vicent
- Polymer Therapeutics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, E-46012 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Transplanting neurofibromatosis-1 gene knockout neural stem cells improve functional recovery in rats with spinal cord injury by enhancing the mTORC2 pathway. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1766-1777. [PMID: 36241865 PMCID: PMC9636387 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor survival and low efficiency of neuronal differentiation limits the therapeutic effects of transplanted neural stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1) is a tumor suppressor gene that restricts the rapid and abnormal growth and differentiation of neural cells. In the present study, lentiviral vectors were used to knock out NF-1, Ricotr (the core member of mTORC2) or NF-1+Ricotr in neural stem cells in vitro, and the NF-1, Ricotr or NF-1+Ricotr knockout neural stem cells were transplanted at the lesion site in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). We first demonstrated that targeted knockout of NF-1 had an antiapoptotic effect and improved neuronal differentiation by enhancing the mTORC2/Rictor pathway of neural stem cells in vitro. Subsequently, transplanting NF-1 knockout neural stem cells into the injured site sufficiently promoted the tissue repair and functional recovery of rats with spinal cord injury by enhancing the survival and neuronal differentiation of grafted neural stem cells. Collectively, these findings reveal a prominent role of NF-1 in neural stem cell biology, which is an invaluable step forward in enhancing the benefit of neural stem cell-mediated regenerative cell therapy for spinal cord injury and identifies the transplantation of NF-1 knockout neural stem cells as a promising strategy for spinal cord injury.
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