1
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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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2
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Hey G, Willman M, Patel A, Goutnik M, Willman J, Lucke-Wold B. Stem Cell Scaffolds for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury-A Review. BIOMECHANICS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:322-342. [PMID: 37664542 PMCID: PMC10469078 DOI: 10.3390/biomechanics3030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a profoundly debilitating yet common central nervous system condition resulting in significant morbidity and mortality rates. Major causes of SCI encompass traumatic incidences such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries. Present treatment strategies for SCI aim to improve and enhance neurologic functionality. The ability for neural stem cells (NSCs) to differentiate into diverse neural and glial cell precursors has stimulated the investigation of stem cell scaffolds as potential therapeutics for SCI. Various scaffolding modalities including composite materials, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and hydrogels have been explored. However, most trials remain largely in the preclinical stage, emphasizing the need to further develop and refine these treatment strategies before clinical implementation. In this review, we delve into the physiological processes that underpin NSC differentiation, including substrates and signaling pathways required for axonal regrowth post-injury, and provide an overview of current and emerging stem cell scaffolding platforms for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Hey
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Matthew Willman
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Aashay Patel
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Michael Goutnik
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jonathan Willman
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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3
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Shen W, Liu S, Wei X, Wang Y, Yang L. Infiltrating circulating monocytes provide an important source of BMP4 at the early stage of spinal cord injury. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:286061. [PMID: 36518009 PMCID: PMC9884123 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049856] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)4 plays a critical role in regulating neuronal and glial activity in the course of spinal cord injury (SCI). The underlying cause and cellular source of BMP4 accumulation at the injured spinal cord remain unclear. Here, we observed that plasma BMP4 levels are statistically higher in SCI patients than in healthy donors. When comparing rats in the sham group (T9 laminectomy without SCI) with rats in the SCI group, we found a persistent decline in BBB scores, together with necrosis and mononuclear cell accumulation at the contusion site. Moreover, during 2 weeks after SCI both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid levels of BMP4 displayed notable elevation, and a positive correlation. Importantly, percentages of circulating BMP4-positive (BMP4+) monocytes and infiltrating MDMs were higher in the SCI group than in the sham group. Finally, in the SCI+clodronate liposome group, depletion of monocytes effectively attenuated the accumulation of both BMP4+ MDMs and BMP4 in the injured spinal cord. Our results indicated that, following SCI, infiltrating MDMs provide an important source of BMP4 in the injured spinal cord and, therefore, might serve as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyun Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China,Hunan Province Center for Clinical Anesthesia and Anesthesiology, Research Institute of Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Shuxin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China,Hunan Province Center for Clinical Anesthesia and Anesthesiology, Research Institute of Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaojing Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China,Hunan Province Center for Clinical Anesthesia and Anesthesiology, Research Institute of Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China,Hunan Province Center for Clinical Anesthesia and Anesthesiology, Research Institute of Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China,Department of Pain Management, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 41000, China,Authors for correspondence (; )
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China,Hunan Province Center for Clinical Anesthesia and Anesthesiology, Research Institute of Central South University, Changsha 41000, Hunan Province, China,Authors for correspondence (; )
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4
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Ray S, Al-Sammarraie N, Mahmood M. Neuroprotective role of Noggin in spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:492-496. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.350190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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5
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Park YM, Kim JH, Lee JE. Neural Stem Cells Overexpressing Arginine Decarboxylase Improve Functional Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury in a Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415784. [PMID: 36555425 PMCID: PMC9779865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415784] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury (SCI) cannot fully facilitate neural regeneration or improve function. Arginine decarboxylase (ADC) synthesizes agmatine, an endogenous primary amine with neuroprotective effects. Transfection of human ADC (hADC) gene exerts protective effects after injury in murine brain-derived neural precursor cells (mNPCs). Following from these findings, we investigated the effects of hADC-mNPC transplantation in SCI model mice. Mice with experimentally damaged spinal cords were divided into three groups, separately transplanted with fluorescently labeled (1) control mNPCs, (2) retroviral vector (pLXSN)-infected mNPCs (pLXSN-mNPCs), and (3) hADC-mNPCs. Behavioral comparisons between groups were conducted weekly up to 6 weeks after SCI, and urine volume was measured up to 2 weeks after SCI. A subset of animals was euthanized each week after cell transplantation for molecular and histological analyses. The transplantation groups experienced significantly improved behavioral function, with the best recovery occurring in hADC-mNPC mice. Transplanting hADC-mNPCs improved neurological outcomes, induced oligodendrocyte differentiation and remyelination, increased neural lineage differentiation, and decreased glial scar formation. Moreover, locomotor and bladder function were both rehabilitated. These beneficial effects are likely related to differential BMP-2/4/7 expression in neuronal cells, providing an empirical basis for gene therapy as a curative SCI treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mi Park
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- CHA Advanced Research Institute, CHA University, CHA Bio-Complex, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, CHA Bio-Complex, 335, Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Eun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- BK 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2228-1646
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6
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Song C, Broadie K. Dysregulation of BMP, Wnt, and Insulin Signaling in Fragile X Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:934662. [PMID: 35880195 PMCID: PMC9307498 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.934662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila models of neurological disease contribute tremendously to research progress due to the high conservation of human disease genes, the powerful and sophisticated genetic toolkit, and the rapid generation time. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most prevalent heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders, and the Drosophila FXS disease model has been critical for the genetic screening discovery of new intercellular secretion mechanisms. Here, we focus on the roles of three major signaling pathways: BMP, Wnt, and insulin-like peptides. We present Drosophila FXS model defects compared to mouse models in stem cells/embryos, the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapse model, and the developing adult brain. All three of these secreted signaling pathways are strikingly altered in FXS disease models, giving new mechanistic insights into impaired cellular outcomes and neurological phenotypes. Drosophila provides a powerful genetic screening platform to expand understanding of these secretory mechanisms and to test cellular roles in both peripheral and central nervous systems. The studies demonstrate the importance of exploring broad genetic interactions and unexpected regulatory mechanisms. We discuss a number of research avenues to pursue BMP, Wnt, and insulin signaling in future FXS investigations and the development of potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhu Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kendal Broadie
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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7
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Skauli N, Savchenko E, Ottersen OP, Roybon L, Amiry-Moghaddam M. Canonical Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling Regulates Expression of Aquaporin-4 and Its Anchoring Complex in Mouse Astrocytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:878154. [PMID: 35518645 PMCID: PMC9067306 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.878154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the predominant water channel in the brain; it is enriched in astrocytic foot processes abutting vessels where it is anchored through an interaction with the dystrophin-associated protein (DAP) complex. Enhanced expression with concomitant mislocalization of AQP4 along astrocyte plasma membranes is a hallmark of several neurological conditions. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify which signaling pathways dictate AQP4 microdistribution. Here we show that canonical bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), particularly BMP2 and 4, upregulate AQP4 expression in astrocytes and dysregulate the associated DAP complex by differentially affecting its individual members. We further demonstrate the presence of BMP receptors and Smad1/5/9 pathway activation in BMP treated astrocytes. Our analysis of adult mouse brain reveals BMP2 and 4 in neurons and in a subclass of endothelial cells and activated Smad1/5/9 in astrocytes. We conclude that the canonical BMP-signaling pathway might be responsible for regulating the expression of AQP4 and of DAP complex proteins that govern the subcellular compartmentation of this aquaporin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Skauli
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ekaterina Savchenko
- Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D10, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ole Petter Ottersen
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laurent Roybon
- Stem Cell Laboratory for CNS Disease Modeling, Department of Experimental Medical Science, BMC D10, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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8
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Zhang K, Lu WC, Zhang M, Zhang Q, Xian PP, Liu FF, Chen ZY, Kim CS, Wu SX, Tao HR, Wang YZ. Reducing host aldose reductase activity promotes neuronal differentiation of transplanted neural stem cells at spinal cord injury sites and facilitates locomotion recovery. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1814-1820. [PMID: 35017443 PMCID: PMC8820702 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.330624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is a promising strategy for replacing lost neurons following spinal cord injury. However, the survival and differentiation of transplanted NSCs is limited, possibly owing to the neurotoxic inflammatory microenvironment. Because of the important role of glucose metabolism in M1/M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages, we hypothesized that altering the phenotype of microglia/macrophages by regulating the activity of aldose reductase (AR), a key enzyme in the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism, would provide a more beneficial microenvironment for NSC survival and differentiation. Here, we reveal that inhibition of host AR promoted the polarization of microglia/macrophages toward the M2 phenotype in lesioned spinal cord injuries. M2 macrophages promoted the differentiation of NSCs into neurons in vitro. Transplantation of NSCs into injured spinal cords either deficient in AR or treated with the AR inhibitor sorbinil promoted the survival and neuronal differentiation of NSCs at the injured spinal cord site and contributed to locomotor functional recovery. Our findings suggest that inhibition of host AR activity is beneficial in enhancing the survival and neuronal differentiation of transplanted NSCs and shows potential as a treatment of spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Can Lu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
| | - Pan-Pan Xian
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fang-Fang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chung Sookja Kim
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sheng-Xi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui-Ren Tao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ya-Zhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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9
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Aslan E, Boyacı MG, Güzel H, Pektaş MB. Better neuroprotective profile of caffeic acid phenyl ester over resveratrol in non-traumatic ischemia-reperfusion injury of the spinal cord. Br J Neurosurg 2021:1-7. [PMID: 34879774 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2021.1999391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord ischemia has serious sequelae. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of resveratrol and caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE), a propolis derivative, on spinal cord injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion (IR). METHODS In our research, 30 male Wistar albino rats, 200-250 gr, were used. Before the experiment, during a week of the process, the rats were fed with these two agents, and the experimental group rats were exposed to spinal cord IR injury. At the end of the experiment, spinal cord samples were taken from the sacrificed rats. Bax, p53, nNOS, and Beclin-1 immunoreactivity moreover TUNEL (+) cells were evaluated with immunohistochemically in the IR-induced damaged rats. RESULTS It has been clearly determined that the TUNEL (+) apoptotic cell number and immunopositive cells of nNOS, Beclin-1, p53, Bax were raised in the IR group. However, these increments partially were restored in the resveratrol and CAPE-fed rats with IR-induced injury. CONCLUSION In light of our data, resveratrol, and CAPE could be beneficial in spinal cord IR injury. Although both agents provide beneficial effects, it can be said that CAPE is partially more effective in spinal cord injury caused by IR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Aslan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Gazi Boyacı
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Hilal Güzel
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Bilgehan Pektaş
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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10
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Shahsavani N, Alizadeh A, Kataria H, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Availability of neuregulin-1beta1 protects neurons in spinal cord injury and against glutamate toxicity through caspase dependent and independent mechanisms. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113817. [PMID: 34314724 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes sensorimotor and autonomic impairment that partly reflects extensive, permanent loss of neurons at the epicenter and penumbra of the injury. Strategies aimed at enhancing neuronal protection are critical to attenuate neurodegeneration and improve neurological recovery after SCI. In rat SCI, we previously uncovered that the tissue levels of neuregulin-1beta 1 (Nrg-1β1) are acutely and persistently downregulated in the injured spinal cord. Nrg-1β1 is well-known for its critical roles in the development, maintenance and physiology of neurons and glia in the developing and adult spinal cord. However, despite this pivotal role, Nrg-1β1 specific effects and mechanisms of action on neuronal injury remain largely unknown in SCI. In the present study, using a clinically-relevant model of compressive/contusive SCI in rats and an in vitro model of glutamate toxicity in primary neurons, we demonstrate Nrg-1β1 provides early neuroprotection through attenuation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, necrosis and apoptosis in acute and subacute stages of SCI. Mechanistically, availability of Nrg-1β1 following glutamate challenge protects neurons from caspase-dependent and independent cell death that is mediated by modulation of mitochondria associated apoptotic cascades and MAP kinase and AKT signaling pathways. Altogether, our work provides novel insights into the role and mechanisms of Nrg-1β1 in neuronal injury after SCI and introduces its potential as a new neuroprotective target for this debilitating neurological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Shahsavani
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Regenerative Medicine Program, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Arsalan Alizadeh
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Regenerative Medicine Program, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Hardeep Kataria
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Regenerative Medicine Program, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Soheila Karimi-Abdolrezaee
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Regenerative Medicine Program, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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11
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Hart CG, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Recent insights on astrocyte mechanisms in CNS homeostasis, pathology, and repair. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2427-2462. [PMID: 34259342 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play essential roles in development, homeostasis, injury, and repair of the central nervous system (CNS). Their development is tightly regulated by distinct spatial and temporal cues during embryogenesis and into adulthood throughout the CNS. Astrocytes have several important responsibilities such as regulating blood flow and permeability of the blood-CNS barrier, glucose metabolism and storage, synapse formation and function, and axon myelination. In CNS pathologies, astrocytes also play critical parts in both injury and repair mechanisms. Upon injury, they undergo a robust phenotypic shift known as "reactive astrogliosis," which results in both constructive and deleterious outcomes. Astrocyte activation and migration at the site of injury provides an early defense mechanism to minimize the extent of injury by enveloping the lesion area. However, astrogliosis also contributes to the inhibitory microenvironment of CNS injury and potentiate secondary injury mechanisms, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and glutamate excitotoxicity, which facilitate neurodegeneration in CNS pathologies. Intriguingly, reactive astrocytes are increasingly a focus in current therapeutic strategies as their activation can be modulated toward a neuroprotective and reparative phenotype. This review will discuss recent advancements in knowledge regarding the development and role of astrocytes in the healthy and pathological CNS. We will also review how astrocytes have been genetically modified to optimize their reparative potential after injury, and how they may be transdifferentiated into neurons and oligodendrocytes to promote repair after CNS injury and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Hart
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Soheila Karimi-Abdolrezaee
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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12
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating injury that results from traumatic or non-traumatic insults to the spinal cord, causing significant impairment of the patient's activity and quality of life. Bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) are a group of polyfunctional cytokines belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily that regulates a wide variety of cellular functions in healthy and disease states. Recent studies suggest that dysregulation of BMP signaling is involved in neuronal demyelination and death after traumatic SCI. The focus of this article is to describe our current understanding of the role of BMP signaling in the regulation of cell fate, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation in traumatic SCI. First, we will describe the expression of BMPs and pattern of BMP signaling before and after traumatic SCI in rodent models and in vitro. Next, we will discuss the role of BMP in the regulation of neuronal and glial cell differentiation, survival, functional recovery from traumatic SCI, and the gap in knowledge in this area that requires further investigation to improve SCI prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Al-Sammarraie
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Swapan K Ray
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
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13
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Daneri-Becerra C, Patiño-Gaillez MG, Galigniana MD. Proof that the high molecular weight immunophilin FKBP52 mediates the in vivo neuroregenerative effect of the macrolide FK506. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 182:114204. [PMID: 32828804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The immunosuppressant drug FK506 (or tacrolimus) is a macrolide that binds selectively to immunophilins belonging to the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) subfamily, which are abundantly expressed proteins in neurons of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Interestingly, it has been reported that FK506 increases neurite outgrowth in cell cultures, implying a potential impact in putative treatments of neurodegenerative disorders and injuries of the nervous system. Nonetheless, the mechanism of action of this compound is poorly understood and remains to be elucidated, with the only certainty that its neurotrophic effect is independent of its primary immunosuppressant activity. In this study it is demonstrated that FK506 shows efficient neurotrophic action in vitro and profound effects on the recovery of locomotor activity, behavioural features, and erectile function of mice that underwent surgical spinal cord injury. The recovery of the locomotor activity was studied in knock-out mice for either immunophilin, FKBP51 or FKBP52. The experimental evidence demonstrates that the neurotrophic actions of FK506 are the consequence of its binding to FKBP52, whereas FK506 interaction with the close-related partner immunophilin FKBP51 antagonises the function of FKBP52. Importantly, our study also demonstrates that other immunophilins do not replace FKBP52. It is concluded that the final biological response is the resulting outcome of the drug binding to both immunophilins, FKBP51 and FKBP52, the latter being the one that commands the dominant neurotrophic action in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario D Galigniana
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)/CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Hart CG, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Bone morphogenetic proteins: New insights into their roles and mechanisms in CNS development, pathology and repair. Exp Neurol 2020; 334:113455. [PMID: 32877654 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a highly conserved and diverse family of proteins that play essential roles in various stages of development including the formation and patterning of the central nervous system (CNS). Bioavailability and function of BMPs are regulated by input from a plethora of transcription factors and signaling pathways. Intriguingly, recent literature has uncovered novel roles for BMPs in regulating homeostatic and pathological responses in the adult CNS. Basal levels of BMP ligands and receptors are widely expressed in the adult brain and spinal cord with differential expression patterns across CNS regions, cell types and subcellular locations. Recent evidence indicates that several BMP isoforms are transiently or chronically upregulated in the aged or pathological CNS. Genetic knockout and pharmacological studies have elucidated that BMPs regulate several aspects of CNS injury and repair including cell survival and differentiation, reactive astrogliosis and glial scar formation, axon regeneration, and myelin preservation and repair. Several BMP isoforms can be upregulated in the injured or diseased CNS simultaneously yet exert complementary or opposing effects on the endogenous cell responses after injury. Emerging studies also show that dysregulation of BMPs is associated with various CNS pathologies. Interestingly, modulation of BMPs can lead to beneficial or detrimental effects on CNS injury and repair mechanisms in a ligand, temporally or spatially specific manner, which reflect the complexity of BMP signaling. Given the significance of BMPs in neurodevelopment, a better understanding of their role in the context of injury may provide new therapeutic targets for the pathologic CNS. This review will provide a timely overview on the foundation and recent advancements in knowledge regarding the role and mechanisms of BMP signaling in the developing and adult CNS, and their implications in pathological responses and repair processes after injury or diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Hart
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Regenerative Medicine Program, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Soheila Karimi-Abdolrezaee
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Regenerative Medicine Program, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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