1
|
Fait BW, Cotto B, Murakami TC, Hagemann-Jensen M, Zhan H, Freivald C, Turbek I, Gao Y, Yao Z, Way SW, Zeng H, Tasic B, Steward O, Heintz N, Schmidt EF. Spontaneously regenerative corticospinal neurons in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.09.612115. [PMID: 39314356 PMCID: PMC11419066 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.09.612115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
The spinal cord receives inputs from the cortex via corticospinal neurons (CSNs). While predominantly a contralateral projection, a less-investigated minority of its axons terminate in the ipsilateral spinal cord. We analyzed the spatial and molecular properties of these ipsilateral axons and their post-synaptic targets in mice and found they project primarily to the ventral horn, including directly to motor neurons. Barcode-based reconstruction of the ipsilateral axons revealed a class of primarily bilaterally-projecting CSNs with a distinct cortical distribution. The molecular properties of these ipsilaterally-projecting CSNs (IP-CSNs) are strikingly similar to the previously described molecular signature of embryonic-like regenerating CSNs. Finally, we show that IP-CSNs are spontaneously regenerative after spinal cord injury. The discovery of a class of spontaneously regenerative CSNs may prove valuable to the study of spinal cord injury. Additionally, this work suggests that the retention of juvenile-like characteristics may be a widespread phenomenon in adult nervous systems.
Collapse
|
2
|
Silva F. Regenerative medicine. J Transl Med 2024; 22:721. [PMID: 39103851 PMCID: PMC11299265 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05521-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
|
3
|
Du X, Zhang S, Khabbaz A, Cohen KL, Zhang Y, Chakraborty S, Smith GM, Wang H, Yadav AP, Liu N, Deng L. Regeneration of Propriospinal Axons in Rat Transected Spinal Cord Injury through a Growth-Promoting Pathway Constructed by Schwann Cells Overexpressing GDNF. Cells 2024; 13:1160. [PMID: 38995011 PMCID: PMC11240522 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131160] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Unsuccessful axonal regeneration in transected spinal cord injury (SCI) is mainly attributed to shortage of growth factors, inhibitory glial scar, and low intrinsic regenerating capacity of severely injured neurons. Previously, we constructed an axonal growth permissive pathway in a thoracic hemisected injury by transplantation of Schwann cells overexpressing glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor (SCs-GDNF) into the lesion gap as well as the caudal cord and proved that this novel permissive bridge promoted the regeneration of descending propriospinal tract (dPST) axons across and beyond the lesion. In the current study, we subjected rats to complete thoracic (T11) spinal cord transections and examined whether these combinatorial treatments can support dPST axons' regeneration beyond the transected injury. The results indicated that GDNF significantly improved graft-host interface by promoting integration between SCs and astrocytes, especially the migration of reactive astrocyte into SCs-GDNF territory. The glial response in the caudal graft area has been significantly attenuated. The astrocytes inside the grafted area were morphologically characterized by elongated and slim process and bipolar orientation accompanied by dramatically reduced expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. Tremendous dPST axons have been found to regenerate across the lesion and back to the caudal spinal cord which were otherwise difficult to see in control groups. The caudal synaptic connections were formed, and regenerated axons were remyelinated. The hindlimb locomotor function has been improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Du
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.D.); (S.Z.); (A.K.); (K.L.C.); (Y.Z.); (S.C.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210005, China
| | - Shengqi Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.D.); (S.Z.); (A.K.); (K.L.C.); (Y.Z.); (S.C.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China;
| | - Aytak Khabbaz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.D.); (S.Z.); (A.K.); (K.L.C.); (Y.Z.); (S.C.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kristen Lynn Cohen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.D.); (S.Z.); (A.K.); (K.L.C.); (Y.Z.); (S.C.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yihong Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.D.); (S.Z.); (A.K.); (K.L.C.); (Y.Z.); (S.C.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Samhita Chakraborty
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.D.); (S.Z.); (A.K.); (K.L.C.); (Y.Z.); (S.C.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - George M. Smith
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA;
| | - Hongxing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China;
| | - Amol P. Yadav
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Naikui Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.D.); (S.Z.); (A.K.); (K.L.C.); (Y.Z.); (S.C.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Lingxiao Deng
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.D.); (S.Z.); (A.K.); (K.L.C.); (Y.Z.); (S.C.)
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Goodman and Campbell Brain and Spine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tan Z, Xiao L, Ma J, Shi K, Liu J, Feng F, Xie P, Dai Y, Yuan Q, Wu W, Rong L, He L. Integrating hydrogels manipulate ECM deposition after spinal cord injury for specific neural reconnections via neuronal relays. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado9120. [PMID: 38959311 PMCID: PMC11221524 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado9120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
A bioinspired hydrogel composed of hyaluronic acid-graft-dopamine (HADA) and a designer peptide HGF-(RADA)4-DGDRGDS (HRR) was presented to enhance tissue integration following spinal cord injury (SCI). The HADA/HRR hydrogel manipulated the infiltration of PDGFRβ+ cells in a parallel pattern, transforming dense scars into an aligned fibrous substrate that guided axonal regrowth. Further incorporation of NT3 and curcumin promoted axonal regrowth and survival of interneurons at lesion borders, which served as relays for establishing heterogeneous axon connections in a target-specific manner. Notable improvements in motor, sensory, and bladder functions resulted in rats with complete spinal cord transection. The HADA/HRR + NT3/Cur hydrogel promoted V2a neuron accumulation in ventral spinal cord, facilitating the recovery of locomotor function. Meanwhile, the establishment of heterogeneous neural connections across the hemisected lesion of canines was documented in a target-specific manner via neuronal relays, significantly improving motor functions. Therefore, biomaterials can inspire beneficial biological activities for SCI repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zan Tan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Longyou Xiao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Junwu Ma
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Kaixi Shi
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jialin Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Pengfei Xie
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yu Dai
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Qiuju Yuan
- Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Wutian Wu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Re-Stem Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Suzhou 215129, China
| | - Limin Rong
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Liumin He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wei J, Wang M, Li S, Han R, Xu W, Zhao A, Yu Q, Li H, Li M, Chi G. Reprogramming of astrocytes and glioma cells into neurons for central nervous system repair and glioblastoma therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116806. [PMID: 38796971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116806] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) damage is usually irreversible owing to the limited regenerative capability of neurons. Following CNS injury, astrocytes are reactively activated and are the key cells involved in post-injury repair mechanisms. Consequently, research on the reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons could provide new directions for the restoration of neural function after CNS injury and in the promotion of recovery in various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the means through which reactive astrocytes around lesions can be reprogrammed into neurons, to elucidate the intrinsic connection between the two cell types from a neurogenesis perspective, and to summarize what is known about the neurotranscription factors, small-molecule compounds and MicroRNA that play major roles in astrocyte reprogramming. As the malignant proliferation of astrocytes promotes the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), this review also examines the research advances on and the theoretical basis for the reprogramming of GBM cells into neurons and discusses the advantages of such approaches over traditional treatment modalities. This comprehensive review provides new insights into the field of GBM therapy and theoretical insights into the mechanisms of neurological recovery following neurological injury and in GBM treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Shilin Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, 1xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, China.
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Haokun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tu Z, Tang L, Khan FU, Hu M, Shen H, Wang Y. Low-frequency noise impairs righting reflex behavior by disrupting central nervous system in the sea slug Onchidium reevesii. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 918:170552. [PMID: 38309332 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise has significantly increased due to human activities, posing a threat to the health and survival of marine organisms. However, current studies have often emphasized its effects on the physiological aspects of marine organisms, while ignored the relationship between the neuroendocrine system and behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the righting behavior and relevant physiological functions of the central nervous system (CNS) in sea slug (Onchidium reevesii) exposed to low-frequency noise and subsequent noise removal. The duration of the sea slugs' righting reflex increased with longer noise exposure time. The degree of neuronal cell damage and apoptosis were significantly increased and relevant gene expressions were affected (Glu, AChE, FMRFamide and CaMKII) (P < 0.05). After the removal of noise, the righting reflex speed gradually recovered, and the degree of neuronal cell damage, apoptosis and the expression levels of genes continued to decrease. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the righting time was positively correlated with CNS tissue and DNA damage, apoptosis rate, and negatively correlated with the expression levels of genes. Therefore, low-frequency noise exposure causes damage to the CNS of sea slugs, subsequently impairing their normal behavior. Sea slugs exhibited partial recovery within 384 h after removing noise. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of low-frequency noise on the CNS and behavior of marine invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Tu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Liusiqiao Tang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Fahim Ullah Khan
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Menghong Hu
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Heding Shen
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Youji Wang
- International Research Center for Marine Biosciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu D, Shen H, Zhang K, Shen Y, Wen R, He X, Long G, Li X. Functional Hydrogel Co-Remolding Migration and Differentiation Microenvironment for Severe Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301662. [PMID: 37937326 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301662] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) activates nestin+ neural stem cells (NSCs), which can be regarded as potential seed cells for neuronal regeneration. However, the lesion microenvironment seriously hinders the migration of the nestin+ cells to the lesion epicenter and their differentiation into neurons to rebuild neural circuits. In this study, a photosensitive hydrogel scaffold is prepared as drug delivery carrier. Genetically engineered SDF1α and NT3 are designed and the scaffold is binary modified to reshape the lesion microenvironment. The binary modified scaffold can effectively induce the migration and neuronal differentiation of nestin+ NSCs in vitro. When implanted into a rat complete SCI model, many of the SCI-activated nestin+ cells migrate into the lesion site and give rise to neurons in short-term. Meanwhile, long-term repair results also show that implantation of the binary modified scaffold can effectively promote the maturation, functionalization and synaptic network reconstruction of neurons in the lesion site. In addition, animals treated with binary scaffold also showed better improvement in motor functions. The therapeutic strategy based on remolding the migration and neuronal differentiation lesion microenvironment provides a new insight into SCI repair by targeting activated nestin+ cells, which exhibits excellent clinical transformation prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dingyang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410078, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - He Shen
- Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface Research, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410078, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Yeyu Shen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410078, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Runlin Wen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410078, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Xinghui He
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410078, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Ge Long
- Department of Anesthesia, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410078, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410078, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shepard CT, Brown BL, Van Rijswijck MA, Zalla RM, Burke DA, Morehouse JR, Riegler AS, Whittemore SR, Magnuson DSK. Silencing long-descending inter-enlargement propriospinal neurons improves hindlimb stepping after contusive spinal cord injuries. eLife 2023; 12:e82944. [PMID: 38099572 PMCID: PMC10776087 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82944] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal locomotor circuitry is comprised of rhythm generating centers, one for each limb, that are interconnected by local and long-distance propriospinal neurons thought to carry temporal information necessary for interlimb coordination and gait control. We showed previously that conditional silencing of the long ascending propriospinal neurons (LAPNs) that project from the lumbar to the cervical rhythmogenic centers (L1/L2 to C6), disrupts right-left alternation of both the forelimbs and hindlimbs without significantly disrupting other fundamental aspects of interlimb and speed-dependent coordination (Pocratsky et al., 2020). Subsequently, we showed that silencing the LAPNs after a moderate thoracic contusive spinal cord injury (SCI) resulted in better recovered locomotor function (Shepard et al., 2021). In this research advance, we focus on the descending equivalent to the LAPNs, the long descending propriospinal neurons (LDPNs) that have cell bodies at C6 and terminals at L2. We found that conditional silencing of the LDPNs in the intact adult rat resulted in a disrupted alternation of each limb pair (forelimbs and hindlimbs) and after a thoracic contusion SCI significantly improved locomotor function. These observations lead us to speculate that the LAPNs and LDPNs have similar roles in the exchange of temporal information between the cervical and lumbar rhythm generating centers, but that the partial disruption of the pathway after SCI limits the independent function of the lumbar circuitry. Silencing the LAPNs or LDPNs effectively permits or frees-up the lumbar circuitry to function independently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney T Shepard
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Brandon L Brown
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Morgan A Van Rijswijck
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Rachel M Zalla
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Darlene A Burke
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Johnny R Morehouse
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Amberly S Riegler
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - Scott R Whittemore
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| | - David SK Magnuson
- Interdisciplinary Program in Translational Neuroscience, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Speed School of Engineering, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of LouisvilleLouisvilleUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Metcalfe M, Steward O. PTEN deletion in spinal pathways via retrograde transduction with AAV-RG enhances forelimb motor recovery after cervical spinal cord injury; Sex differences and late-onset pathophysiologies. Exp Neurol 2023; 370:114551. [PMID: 37778650 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114551] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) cause permanent functional impairments due to interruption of motor and sensory pathways. Regeneration of axons does not occur due to lack of intrinsic growth capacity of adult neurons and extrinsic inhibitory factors, especially at the injury site. However, some regeneration can be achieved via deletion of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in cells of origin of spinal pathways. Here, we deployed an AAV variant that is retrogradely transported (AAV-rg) to deliver gene modifying cargos to the cells of origin of multiple pathways interrupted by SCI, testing whether this promoted recovery of motor function. PTENf/f;RosatdTomato mice and control RosatdTomato mice received injections of different doses (number of genome copies, GCs) of AAV-rg/Cre into the cervical spinal cord at the time of a C5 dorsal hemisection injury. Forelimb grip strength was tested over time using a grip strength meter. PTENf/f;RosatdTomato mice with AAV-rg/Cre (PTEN-deleted) exhibited substantial improvements in forelimb gripping ability in comparison to controls. Of note, there were major sex differences in the extent of recovery, with male mice exhibiting greater recovery than females. However, at around 5-7 weeks post-injury/injection, many mice with SCI and AAV-rg-mediated PTEN deletion began to exhibit pathophysiologies involving excessive scratching of the ears and back of the neck and rigid forward extension of the hindlimbs. These pathophysiologies increased in incidence and severity over time. Our results reveal that although intra-spinal injections of AAV-rg/Cre in PTENf/f;RosatdTomato mice can enhance forelimb motor recovery after SCI, late-developing functional abnormalities occur with the experimental conditions used here. Mechanisms underlying late-developing pathophysiologies remain to be defined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariajose Metcalfe
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center University of California Irvine School of Medicine, USA; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, USA
| | - Oswald Steward
- Reeve-Irvine Research Center University of California Irvine School of Medicine, USA; Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, USA; Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Stewart AN, Kumari R, Bailey WM, Glaser EP, Bosse-Joseph CC, Park KA, Hammers GV, Wireman OH, Gensel JC. PTEN knockout using retrogradely transported AAVs transiently restores locomotor abilities in both acute and chronic spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2023; 368:114502. [PMID: 37558155 PMCID: PMC10498341 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114502] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Restoring function in chronic stages of spinal cord injury (SCI) has often been met with failure or reduced efficacy when regenerative strategies are delayed past the acute or sub-acute stages of injury. Restoring function in the chronically injured spinal cord remains a critical challenge. We found that a single injection of retrogradely transported adeno-associated viruses (AAVrg) to knockout the phosphatase and tensin homolog protein (PTEN) in chronic SCI can effectively target both damaged and spared axons and transiently restore locomotor functions in near-complete injury models. AAVrg's were injected to deliver cre recombinase and/or a red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the human Synapsin 1 promoter (hSyn1) into the spinal cords of C57BL/6 PTENFloxΔ/Δ mice to knockout PTEN (PTEN-KO) in a severe thoracic SCI crush model at both acute and chronic time points. PTEN-KO improved locomotor abilities in both acute and chronic SCI conditions over a 9-week period. Regardless of whether treatment was initiated at the time of injury (acute), or three months after SCI (chronic), mice with limited hindlimb joint movement gained hindlimb weight support after treatment. Interestingly, functional improvements were not sustained beyond 9 weeks coincident with a loss of RFP reporter-gene expression and a near-complete loss of treatment-associated functional recovery by 6 months post-treatment. Treatment effects were also specific to severely injured mice; animals with weight support at the time of treatment lost function over a 6-month period. Retrograde tracing with Fluorogold revealed viable neurons throughout the motor cortex despite a loss of RFP expression at 9 weeks post-PTEN-KO. However, few Fluorogold labeled neurons were detected within the motor cortex at 6 months post-treatment. BDA labeling from the motor cortex revealed a dense corticospinal tract (CST) bundle in all groups except chronically treated PTEN-KO mice, indicating a potential long-term toxic effect of PTEN-KO to neurons in the motor cortex which was corroborated by a loss of β-tubulin III labeling above the lesion within spinal cords after PTEN-KO. PTEN-KO mice had significantly more β-tubulin III labeled axons within the lesion when treatment was delivered acutely, but not chronically post-SCI. In conclusion, we have found that using AAVrg's to knockout PTEN is an effective manipulation capable of restoring motor functions in chronic SCI and can enhance axon growth of currently unidentified axon populations when delivered acutely after injury. However, the long-term consequences of PTEN-KO on neuronal health and viability should be further explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Stewart
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Reena Kumari
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - William M Bailey
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Ethan P Glaser
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Christopher C Bosse-Joseph
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Kennedy A Park
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Gabrielle V Hammers
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Olivia H Wireman
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - John C Gensel
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bandla AC, Sheth AS, Zarate SM, Uskamalla S, Hager EC, Villarreal VA, González-García M, Ballestero RP. Enhancing structural plasticity of PC12 neurons during differentiation and neurite regeneration with a catalytically inactive mutant version of the zRICH protein. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:43. [PMID: 37612637 PMCID: PMC10463786 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00808-1] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of the molecular mechanisms of nerve regeneration have led to the discovery of several proteins that are induced during successful nerve regeneration. RICH proteins were identified as proteins induced during the regeneration of the optic nerve of teleost fish. These proteins are 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide, 3'-phosphodiesterases that can bind to cellular membranes through a carboxy-terminal membrane localization domain. They interact with the tubulin cytoskeleton and are able to enhance neuronal structural plasticity by promoting the formation of neurite branches. RESULTS PC12 stable transfectant cells expressing a fusion protein combining a red fluorescent protein with a catalytically inactive mutant version of zebrafish RICH protein were generated. These cells were used as a model to analyze effects of the protein on neuritogenesis. Differentiation experiments showed a 2.9 fold increase in formation of secondary neurites and a 2.4 fold increase in branching points. A 2.2 fold increase in formation of secondary neurites was observed in neurite regeneration assays. CONCLUSIONS The use of a fluorescent fusion protein facilitated detection of expression levels. Two computer-assisted morphometric analysis methods indicated that the catalytically inactive RICH protein induced the formation of branching points and secondary neurites both during differentiation and neurite regeneration. A procedure based on analysis of random field images provided comparable results to classic neurite tracing methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashoka C Bandla
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Aditya S Sheth
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Sara M Zarate
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Suraj Uskamalla
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Hager
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Victor A Villarreal
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | | | - Rafael P Ballestero
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Blvd, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Feng F, Song X, Tan Z, Tu Y, Xiao L, Xie P, Ma Y, Sun X, Ma J, Rong L, He L. Cooperative assembly of a designer peptide and silk fibroin into hybrid nanofiber gels for neural regeneration after spinal cord injury. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg0234. [PMID: 37352345 PMCID: PMC10289662 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Local reconstruction of a permissive environment with biomaterials is a promising strategy to treat spinal cord injury (SCI). We reported a hybrid hydrogel fabricated from a small functional self-assembling peptide (F-SAP) and large silk fibroin (SF). The diffusion of SF micelles into F-SAP solution was driven by the dynamic synergy between osmotic pressure and F-SAP/SF electrostatic interactions, resulting in the rearrangement of SF micelles and the formation of rod-like filaments with axes nearly perpendicular to F-SAP nanofibers. Spectroscopy analysis, including circular dichroism, Raman and fluorescence, indicated conformation changes of SF from random coil to β sheet, which contributed to enhanced mechanical properties of the resultant hybrid hydrogel. Furthermore, the F-SAP/SF hybrid hydrogel coupled with controlled release of NT-3 provided a permissive environment for neural regeneration by providing nanofibrous substrates for regenerating axons, inflammatory modulation and remyelination, consequently resulting in improved locomotion and electrophysiological properties. This hydrogel could be used as a long-term stent in vivo for the treatment of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xiyong Song
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Zan Tan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yujie Tu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Longyou Xiao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Pengfei Xie
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yahao Ma
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiumin Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Junwu Ma
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Limin Rong
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Liumin He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Huang LY, Sun X, Pan HX, Wang L, He CQ, Wei Q. Cell transplantation therapies for spinal cord injury focusing on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells: Advances and challenges. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:385-399. [PMID: 37342219 PMCID: PMC10277963 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with complex pathological mechanisms that lead to sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction below the site of injury. To date, no effective therapy is available for the treatment of SCI. Recently, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have been considered to be the most promising source for cellular therapies following SCI. The objective of the present review is to summarize the most recent insights into the cellular and molecular mechanism using BMMSC therapy to treat SCI. In this work, we review the specific mechanism of BMMSCs in SCI repair mainly from the following aspects: Neuroprotection, axon sprouting and/or regeneration, myelin regeneration, inhibitory microenvironments, glial scar formation, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis. Additionally, we summarize the latest evidence on the application of BMMSCs in clinical trials and further discuss the challenges and future directions for stem cell therapy in SCI models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yi Huang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610044, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610044, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong-Xia Pan
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610044, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610044, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Cheng-Qi He
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610044, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital/West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610044, Sichuan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Stewart AN, Kumari R, Bailey WM, Glaser EP, Hammers GV, Wireman OH, Gensel JC. PTEN knockout using retrogradely transported AAVs restores locomotor abilities in both acute and chronic spinal cord injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.17.537179. [PMID: 37131840 PMCID: PMC10153160 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.17.537179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Restoring function in chronic stages of spinal cord injury (SCI) has often been met with failure or reduced efficacy when regenerative strategies are delayed past the acute or sub-acute stages of injury. Restoring function in the chronically injured spinal cord remains a critical challenge. We found that a single injection of retrogradely transported adeno-associated viruses (AAVrg) to knockout the phosphatase and tensin homolog protein (PTEN) in chronic SCI can effectively target both damaged and spared axons and restore locomotor functions in near-complete injury models. AAVrg's were injected to deliver cre recombinase and/or a red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the human Synapsin 1 promoter (hSyn1) into the spinal cords of C57BL/6 PTEN FloxΔ / Δ mice to knockout PTEN (PTEN-KO) in a severe thoracic SCI crush model at both acute and chronic time points. PTEN-KO improved locomotor abilities in both acute and chronic SCI conditions over a 9-week period. Regardless of whether treatment was initiated at the time of injury (acute), or three months after SCI (chronic), mice with limited hindlimb joint movement gained hindlimb weight support after treatment. Interestingly, functional improvements were not sustained beyond 9 weeks coincident with a loss of RFP reporter-gene expression and a near-complete loss of treatment-associated functional recovery by 6 months post-treatment. Treatment effects were also specific to severely injured mice; animals with weight support at the time of treatment lost function over a 6-month period. Retrograde tracing with Fluorogold revealed viable neurons throughout the motor cortex despite a loss of RFP expression at 9 weeks post-PTEN-KO. However, few Fluorogold labeled neurons were detected within the motor cortex at 6 months post-treatment. BDA labeling from the motor cortex revealed a dense corticospinal tract (CST) bundle in all groups except chronically treated PTEN-KO mice indicating a potential long-term toxic effect of PTEN-KO to neurons in the motor cortex. PTEN-KO mice had significantly more β - tubulin III labeled axons within the lesion when treatment was delivered acutely, but not chronically post-SCI. In conclusion, we have found that using AAVrg's to knockout PTEN is an effective manipulation capable of restoring motor functions in chronic SCI and can enhance axon growth of currently unidentified axon populations when delivered acutely after injury. However, the long-term consequences of PTEN-KO may exert neurotoxic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N. Stewart
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Reena Kumari
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - William M. Bailey
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Ethan P. Glaser
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Gabrielle V. Hammers
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Olivia H. Wireman
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - John C. Gensel
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cheng Y, Song H, Ming GL, Weng YL. Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic regulation of axon regeneration. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1440-1450. [PMID: 36922674 PMCID: PMC10650481 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02028-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Effective axonal regeneration in the adult mammalian nervous system requires coordination of elevated intrinsic growth capacity and decreased responses to the inhibitory environment. Intrinsic regenerative capacity largely depends on the gene regulatory network and protein translation machinery. A failure to activate these pathways upon injury is underlying a lack of robust axon regeneration in the mature mammalian central nervous system. Epigenetics and epitranscriptomics are key regulatory mechanisms that shape gene expression and protein translation. Here, we provide an overview of different types of modifications on DNA, histones, and RNA, underpinning the regenerative competence of axons in the mature mammalian peripheral and central nervous systems. We highlight other non-neuronal cells and their epigenetic changes in determining the microenvironment for tissue repair and axon regeneration. We also address advancements of single-cell technology in charting transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes that may further facilitate the mechanistic understanding of differential regenerative capacity in neuronal subtypes. Finally, as epigenetic and epitranscriptomic processes are commonly affected by brain injuries and psychiatric disorders, understanding their alterations upon brain injury would provide unprecedented mechanistic insights into etiology of injury-associated-psychiatric disorders and facilitate the development of therapeutic interventions to restore brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yating Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Yi-Lan Weng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sun X, Liu H, Tan Z, Hou Y, Pang M, Chen S, Xiao L, Yuan Q, Liu B, Rong L, He L. Remodeling Microenvironment for Endogenous Repair through Precise Modulation of Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans Following Spinal Cord Injury. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205012. [PMID: 36398653 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The fluid-filled cystic cavity sealed by a dense scar developed following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has been a major obstacle to neural regeneration and functional recovery. Here the transected lesion is bridged using a functional self-assembling peptide (F-SAP) hydrogel loaded with membrane-permeable intracellular sigma peptide (ISP) and intracellular LAR peptide (ILP), targeted at perturbing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) inhibitory signaling. As compared to F-SAP hydrogel loaded with chondroitinase ABC, the F-SAP+ISP/ILP promotes a beneficial anti-inflammatory response via manipulation of microglia/macrophages infiltration and assembly of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules into fibrotic matrix rather than scarring tissues. The remodeled ECM creates a permissive environment that supports axon regrowth and the formation of synaptic connections with neurons derived from endogenous neural stem cells. The remodeled networks contribute to functional recovery, as demonstrated by improved hind limb movements and electrophysiological properties. This work proposes a unique mechanism that ECM remodeling induced by CSPG-manipulation-based anti-inflammation can construct a permissive environment for neural regeneration, and shed light on the advancement of manipulation of cascading cellular and molecular events potential for endogenous repair of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiumin Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Haiqian Liu
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zan Tan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yuhui Hou
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Mao Pang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Shengfeng Chen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Longyou Xiao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qiuju Yuan
- Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Limin Rong
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Liumin He
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of CNS Regeneration Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rizk E, Madrid A, Koueik J, Sun D, Stewart K, Chen D, Luo S, Hong F, Papale LA, Hariharan N, Alisch RS, Iskandar BJ. Purified regenerating retinal neurons reveal regulatory role of DNA methylation-mediated Na+/K+-ATPase in murine axon regeneration. Commun Biol 2023; 6:120. [PMID: 36717618 PMCID: PMC9886953 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04463-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
While embryonic mammalian central nervous system (CNS) axons readily grow and differentiate, only a minority of fully differentiated mature CNS neurons are able to regenerate injured axons, leading to stunted functional recovery after injury and disease. To delineate DNA methylation changes specifically associated with axon regeneration, we used a Fluorescent-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)-based methodology in a rat optic nerve transection model to segregate the injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) into regenerating and non-regenerating cell populations. Whole-genome DNA methylation profiling of these purified neurons revealed genes and pathways linked to mammalian RGC regeneration. Moreover, whole-methylome sequencing of purified uninjured adult and embryonic RGCs identified embryonic molecular profiles reactivated after injury in mature neurons, and others that correlate specifically with embryonic or adult axon growth, but not both. The results highlight the contribution to both embryonic growth and adult axon regeneration of subunits encoding the Na+/K+-ATPase. In turn, both biochemical and genetic inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump significantly reduced RGC axon regeneration. These data provide critical molecular insights into mammalian CNS axon regeneration, pinpoint the Na+/K+-ATPase as a key regulator of regeneration of injured mature CNS axons, and suggest that successful regeneration requires, in part, reactivation of embryonic signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elias Rizk
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA ,grid.240473.60000 0004 0543 9901Department of Neurological Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Andy Madrid
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - Joyce Koueik
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - Dandan Sun
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Krista Stewart
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - David Chen
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - Susan Luo
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - Felissa Hong
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - Ligia A. Papale
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - Nithya Hariharan
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - Reid S. Alisch
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| | - Bermans J. Iskandar
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792 USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Boato F, Guan X, Zhu Y, Ryu Y, Voutounou M, Rynne C, Freschlin CR, Zumbo P, Betel D, Matho K, Makarov SN, Wu Z, Son YJ, Nummenmaa A, Huang JZ, Edwards DJ, Zhong J. Activation of MAP2K signaling by genetic engineering or HF-rTMS promotes corticospinal axon sprouting and functional regeneration. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq6885. [PMID: 36599003 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq6885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Facilitating axon regeneration in the injured central nervous system remains a challenging task. RAF-MAP2K signaling plays a key role in axon elongation during nervous system development. Here, we show that conditional expression of a constitutively kinase-activated BRAF in mature corticospinal neurons elicited the expression of a set of transcription factors previously implicated in the regeneration of zebrafish retinal ganglion cell axons and promoted regeneration and sprouting of corticospinal tract (CST) axons after spinal cord injury in mice. Newly sprouting axon collaterals formed synaptic connections with spinal interneurons, resulting in improved recovery of motor function. Noninvasive suprathreshold high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) activated the BRAF canonical downstream effectors MAP2K1/2 and modulated the expression of a set of regeneration-related transcription factors in a pattern consistent with that induced by BRAF activation. HF-rTMS enabled CST axon regeneration and sprouting, which was abolished in MAP2K1/2 conditional null mice. These data collectively demonstrate a central role of MAP2K signaling in augmenting the growth capacity of mature corticospinal neurons and suggest that HF-rTMS might have potential for treating spinal cord injury by modulating MAP2K signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Boato
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xiaofei Guan
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yanjie Zhu
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Youngjae Ryu
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mariel Voutounou
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christopher Rynne
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chase R Freschlin
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Paul Zumbo
- Applied Bioinformatics Core, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Doron Betel
- Applied Bioinformatics Core, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Katie Matho
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Sergey N Makarov
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
| | - Zhuhao Wu
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Young-Jin Son
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Aapo Nummenmaa
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Josh Z Huang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dylan J Edwards
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, PA 19027, USA.,Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19108, USA.,Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup 6027, Australia
| | - Jian Zhong
- Molecular Regeneration and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schwaiger C, Haider T, Endmayr V, Zrzavy T, Gruber VE, Ricken G, Simonovska A, Hametner S, Schwab JM, Höftberger R. Dynamic induction of the myelin-associated growth inhibitor Nogo-A in perilesional plasticity regions after human spinal cord injury. Brain Pathol 2023; 33:e13098. [PMID: 35698271 PMCID: PMC9836369 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The myelin-associated inhibitor Nogo-A (Reticulon 4, RTN4) restricts axonal outgrowth, plasticity, and neural circuitry formation in experimental models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and is targeted in clinical interventions starting treatment within 4 weeks post-SCI. Specifically, Nogo-A expressed by oligodendroglia restricts compensatory neurite sprouting. To interrogate the hypothesis of an inducible, lesion reactive Nogo-A expression over time, we analyzed the spatiotemporal Nogo-A expression at the spinal lesion core (region of tissue necrosis and axonal damage/pruning) and perilesional rim (region of plasticity formation). Spinal cord specimens of SCI subjects (n = 22) were compared to neuropathologically unaltered controls (n = 9). Nogo-A expression was investigated ranging from acute (0-3 days), early subacute (4-21 days), late subacute (22-90 days) to early chronic-chronic (91 days to 1.5 years after SCI) stages after SCI. Nogo-A expression in controls is confined to motoneurons in the anterior horn and to oligodendrocytes in gray and white matter. After SCI, the number of Nogo-A+ and TPPP/p25+ oligodendrocytes (i) inclined at the organizing perilesional rim specifically, (ii) increased further over time, and (iii) peaked at chronic stages after SCI. By contrast, at the lesion core, the number of Nogo-A+ and TPPP/p25+ oligodendrocytes did not increase. Increasing numbers of Nogo-A+ oligodendrocytes coincided with oligodendrogenesis corroborated by Nogo-A coexpression of Ki67+ , TPPP/p25+ proliferating oligodendrocytes. Nogo-A oligodendrocyte expression emerges at perilesional (plasticity) regions over time and suggests an extended therapeutical window for anti-Nogo-A pathway targeting interventions beyond 4 weeks in patients after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Schwaiger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Haider
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma SurgeryMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Verena Endmayr
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Tobias Zrzavy
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Victoria E. Gruber
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineMedical University of Vienna (Affiliated Partner of the ERN EpiCARE)ViennaAustria
| | - Gerda Ricken
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Anika Simonovska
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Simon Hametner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jan M. Schwab
- The Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury and Departments of Neurology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and NeurosciencesThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Younger DS. Spinal cord motor disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:3-42. [PMID: 37620076 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord diseases are frequently devastating due to the precipitous and often permanently debilitating nature of the deficits. Spastic or flaccid paraparesis accompanied by dermatomal and myotomal signatures complementary to the incurred deficits facilitates localization of the insult within the cord. However, laboratory studies often employing disease-specific serology, neuroradiology, neurophysiology, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis aid in the etiologic diagnosis. While many spinal cord diseases are reversible and treatable, especially when recognized early, more than ever, neuroscientists are being called to investigate endogenous mechanisms of neural plasticity. This chapter is a review of the embryology, neuroanatomy, clinical localization, evaluation, and management of adult and childhood spinal cord motor disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Younger
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine and Neurology, White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Geoffroy CG, Meves JM, Kim HJM, Romaus-Sanjurjo D, Sutherland TC, Li JJ, Suen J, Sanchez JJ, Zheng B. Targeting PTEN but not SOCS3 resists an age-dependent decline in promoting axon sprouting. iScience 2022; 25:105383. [PMID: 36339257 PMCID: PMC9626739 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105383] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal repair is critical for functional recovery after injury of the CNS. We previously reported that neuronal PTEN deletion exhibits an age-dependent decline in promoting axon regeneration from the corticospinal tract (CST). How sprouting of uninjured axons, a naturally occurring form of axonal repair, is impacted by age is unknown. We assessed CST sprouting after unilateral pyramidotomy in PTEN and/or SOCS3-deleted mice at different ages. While PTEN deletion enhances sprouting independently of age, SOCS3 deletion loses its sprouting-promoting effect with age. The synergistic effect of PTEN/SOCS3 co-deletion on CST sprouting is rapidly lost with increased age. Overall, promoting sprouting appears more robust across age than regeneration, yet distinct molecular pathways are differentially impacted by age. Importantly, six-week delayed PTEN deletion promotes CST sprouting across age groups, supporting a clinically relevant time frame for this neural repair strategy independently of age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric G. Geoffroy
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jessica M. Meves
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hugo Jae Mun Kim
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Romaus-Sanjurjo
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Theresa C. Sutherland
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Li
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Juliet Suen
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joshua J. Sanchez
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Restoring After Central Nervous System Injuries: Neural Mechanisms and Translational Applications of Motor Recovery. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1569-1587. [DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00959-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) injuries, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury, are leading causes of long-term disability. It is estimated that more than half of the survivors of severe unilateral injury are unable to use the denervated limb. Previous studies have focused on neuroprotective interventions in the affected hemisphere to limit brain lesions and neurorepair measures to promote recovery. However, the ability to increase plasticity in the injured brain is restricted and difficult to improve. Therefore, over several decades, researchers have been prompted to enhance the compensation by the unaffected hemisphere. Animal experiments have revealed that regrowth of ipsilateral descending fibers from the unaffected hemisphere to denervated motor neurons plays a significant role in the restoration of motor function. In addition, several clinical treatments have been designed to restore ipsilateral motor control, including brain stimulation, nerve transfer surgery, and brain–computer interface systems. Here, we comprehensively review the neural mechanisms as well as translational applications of ipsilateral motor control upon rehabilitation after CNS injuries.
Collapse
|
24
|
Spatiotemporal dynamics of the cellular components involved in glial scar formation following spinal cord injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
25
|
Adula KP, Shorey M, Chauhan V, Nassman K, Chen SF, Rolls MM, Sagasti A. The MAP3Ks DLK and LZK Direct Diverse Responses to Axon Damage in Zebrafish Peripheral Neurons. J Neurosci 2022; 42:6195-6210. [PMID: 35840323 PMCID: PMC9374156 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1395-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAP3Ks) dual leucine kinase (DLK) and leucine zipper kinase (LZK) are essential mediators of axon damage responses, but their responses are varied, complex, and incompletely understood. To characterize their functions in axon injury, we generated zebrafish mutants of each gene, labeled motor neurons (MNs) and touch-sensing neurons in live zebrafish, precisely cut their axons with a laser, and assessed the ability of mutant axons to regenerate in larvae, before sex is apparent in zebrafish. DLK and LZK were required redundantly and cell autonomously for axon regeneration in MNs but not in larval Rohon-Beard (RB) or adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons. Surprisingly, in dlk lzk double mutants, the spared branches of wounded RB axons grew excessively, suggesting that these kinases inhibit regenerative sprouting in damaged axons. Uninjured trigeminal sensory axons also grew excessively in mutants when neighboring neurons were ablated, indicating that these MAP3Ks are general inhibitors of sensory axon growth. These results demonstrate that zebrafish DLK and LZK promote diverse injury responses, depending on the neuronal cell identity and type of axonal injury.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The MAP3Ks DLK and LZK are damage sensors that promote diverse outcomes to neuronal injury, including axon regeneration. Understanding their context-specific functions is a prerequisite to considering these kinases as therapeutic targets. To investigate DLK and LZK cell-type-specific functions, we created zebrafish mutants in each gene. Using mosaic cell labeling and precise laser injury we found that both proteins were required for axon regeneration in motor neurons but, unexpectedly, were not required for axon regeneration in Rohon-Beard or DRG sensory neurons and negatively regulated sprouting in the spared axons of touch-sensing neurons. These findings emphasize that animals have evolved distinct mechanisms to regulate injury site regeneration and collateral sprouting, and identify differential roles for DLK and LZK in these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kadidia Pemba Adula
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Department and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Matthew Shorey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Vasudha Chauhan
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Department and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Khaled Nassman
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Department and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Shu-Fan Chen
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Department and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Melissa M Rolls
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802
| | - Alvaro Sagasti
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Department and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Samejima S, Henderson R, Pradarelli J, Mondello SE, Moritz CT. Activity-dependent plasticity and spinal cord stimulation for motor recovery following spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2022; 357:114178. [PMID: 35878817 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries lead to permanent physical impairment despite most often being anatomically incomplete disruptions of the spinal cord. Remaining connections between the brain and spinal cord create the potential for inducing neural plasticity to improve sensorimotor function, even many years after injury. This narrative review provides an overview of the current evidence for spontaneous motor recovery, activity-dependent plasticity, and interventions for restoring motor control to residual brain and spinal cord networks via spinal cord stimulation. In addition to open-loop spinal cord stimulation to promote long-term neuroplasticity, we also review a more targeted approach: closed-loop stimulation. Lastly, we review mechanisms of spinal cord neuromodulation to promote sensorimotor recovery, with the goal of advancing the field of rehabilitation for physical impairments following spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soshi Samejima
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Richard Henderson
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jared Pradarelli
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah E Mondello
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chet T Moritz
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Neurotechnology, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhao C, Zhou T, Zhao X, Pang Y, Li W, Fan B, Li M, Liu X, Ma L, Zhang J, Sun C, Shen W, Kong X, Yao X, Feng S. Delayed administration of nafamostat mesylate inhibits thrombin-mediated blood-spinal cord barrier breakdown during acute spinal cord injury in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:189. [PMID: 35842640 PMCID: PMC9287720 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02531-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nafamostat mesylate (nafamostat, NM) is an FDA-approved serine protease inhibitor that exerts anti-neuroinflammation and neuroprotective effects following rat spinal cord injury (SCI). However, clinical translation of nafamostat has been limited by an unclear administration time window and mechanism of action. Methods Time to first dose of nafamostat administration was tested on rats after contusive SCI. The optimal time window of nafamostat was screened by evaluating hindlimb locomotion and electrophysiology. As nafamostat is a serine protease inhibitor known to target thrombin, we used argatroban (Arg), a thrombin-specific inhibitor, as a positive control in the time window experiments. Western blot and immunofluorescence of thrombin expression level and its enzymatic activity were assayed at different time points, as well its receptor, the protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) and downstream protein matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). Blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) permeability leakage indicator Evans Blue and fibrinogen were analyzed along these time points. The infiltration of peripheral inflammatory cell was observed by immunofluorescence. Results The optimal administration time window of nafamostat was 2–12 h post-injury. Argatroban, the thrombin-specific inhibitor, had a similar pattern. Thrombin expression peaked at 12 h and returned to normal level at 7 days post-SCI. PAR1, the thrombin receptor, and MMP9 were significantly upregulated after SCI. The most significant increase of thrombin expression was detected in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Nafamostat and argatroban significantly downregulated thrombin and MMP9 expression as well as thrombin activity in the spinal cord. Nafamostat inhibited thrombin enrichment in endothelial cells. Nafamostat administration at 2–12 h after SCI inhibited the leakage of Evans Blue in the epicenter and upregulated tight junction proteins (TJPs) expression. Nafamostat administration 8 h post-SCI effectively inhibited the infiltration of peripheral macrophages and neutrophils to the injury site. Conclusions Our study provides preclinical information of nafamostat about the administration time window of 2–12 h post-injury in contusive SCI. We revealed that nafamostat functions through inhibiting the thrombin-mediated BSCB breakdown and subsequent peripheral immune cells infiltration. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02531-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tiangang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yilin Pang
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenxiang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Baoyou Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinjie Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyuan Shen
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohong Kong
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xue Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China. .,Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China. .,Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang Z, Romanski A, Mehra V, Wang Y, Brannigan M, Campbell BC, Petsko GA, Tsoulfas P, Blackmore MG. Brain-wide analysis of the supraspinal connectome reveals anatomical correlates to functional recovery after spinal injury. eLife 2022; 11:76254. [PMID: 35838234 PMCID: PMC9345604 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76254] [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] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The supraspinal connectome is essential for normal behavior and homeostasis and consists of numerous sensory, motor, and autonomic projections from brain to spinal cord. Study of supraspinal control and its restoration after damage has focused mostly on a handful of major populations that carry motor commands, with only limited consideration of dozens more that provide autonomic or crucial motor modulation. Here, we assemble an experimental workflow to rapidly profile the entire supraspinal mesoconnectome in adult mice and disseminate the output in a web-based resource. Optimized viral labeling, 3D imaging, and registration to a mouse digital neuroanatomical atlas assigned tens of thousands of supraspinal neurons to 69 identified regions. We demonstrate the ability of this approach to clarify essential points of topographic mapping between spinal levels, measure population-specific sensitivity to spinal injury, and test the relationships between region-specific neuronal sparing and variability in functional recovery. This work will spur progress by broadening understanding of essential but understudied supraspinal populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zimei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Adam Romanski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Vatsal Mehra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, United States
| | - Matthew Brannigan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, United States
| | - Benjamin C Campbell
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Gregory A Petsko
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Pantelis Tsoulfas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, United States
| | - Murray G Blackmore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Seng C, Luo W, Földy C. Circuit formation in the adult brain. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4187-4213. [PMID: 35724981 PMCID: PMC9546018 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15742] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system display an enormous capacity for circuit formation during development but not later in life. In principle, new circuits could be also formed in adult brain, but the absence of the developmental milieu and the presence of growth inhibition and hundreds of working circuits are generally viewed as unsupportive for such a process. Here, we bring together evidence from different areas of neuroscience—such as neurological disorders, adult‐brain neurogenesis, innate behaviours, cell grafting, and in vivo cell reprogramming—which demonstrates robust circuit formation in adult brain. In some cases, adult‐brain rewiring is ongoing and required for certain types of behaviour and memory, while other cases show significant promise for brain repair in disease models. Together, these examples highlight that the adult brain has higher capacity for structural plasticity than previously recognized. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind this retained plasticity has the potential to advance basic knowledge regarding the molecular organization of synaptic circuits and could herald a new era of neural circuit engineering for therapeutic repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Seng
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wenshu Luo
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Földy
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cooke P, Janowitz H, Dougherty SE. Neuronal Redevelopment and the Regeneration of Neuromodulatory Axons in the Adult Mammalian Central Nervous System. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:872501. [PMID: 35530177 PMCID: PMC9074815 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.872501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One reason that many central nervous system injuries, including those arising from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke, have limited recovery of function is that neurons within the adult mammalian CNS lack the ability to regenerate their axons following trauma. This stands in contrast to neurons of the adult mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS). New evidence, provided by single-cell expression profiling, suggests that, following injury, both mammalian central and peripheral neurons can revert to an embryonic-like growth state which is permissive for axon regeneration. This “redevelopment” strategy could both facilitate a damage response necessary to isolate and repair the acute damage from injury and provide the intracellular machinery necessary for axon regrowth. Interestingly, serotonin neurons of the rostral group of raphe nuclei, which project their axons into the forebrain, display a robust ability to regenerate their axons unaided, counter to the widely held view that CNS axons cannot regenerate without experimental intervention after injury. Furthermore, initial evidence suggests that norepinephrine neurons within the locus coeruleus possess similar regenerative abilities. Several morphological characteristics of serotonin axon regeneration in adult mammals, observable using longitudinal in vivo imaging, are distinct from the known characteristics of unaided peripheral nerve regeneration, or of the regeneration seen in the spinal cord and optic nerve that occurs with experimental intervention. These results suggest that there is an alternative CNS program for axon regeneration that likely differs from that displayed by the PNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cooke
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haley Janowitz
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah E Dougherty
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Saikia JM, Chavez-Martinez CL, Kim ND, Allibhoy S, Kim HJ, Simonyan L, Smadi S, Tsai KM, Romaus-Sanjurjo D, Jin Y, Zheng B. A Critical Role for DLK and LZK in Axonal Repair in the Mammalian Spinal Cord. J Neurosci 2022; 42:3716-3732. [PMID: 35361703 PMCID: PMC9087816 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2495-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited ability for axonal repair after spinal cord injury underlies long-term functional impairment. Dual leucine-zipper kinase [DLK; MAP kinase kinase kinase 12; MAP3K12] is an evolutionarily conserved MAP3K implicated in neuronal injury signaling from Caenorhabditis elegans to mammals. However, whether DLK or its close homolog leucine zipper kinase (LZK; MAP3K13) regulates axonal repair in the mammalian spinal cord remains unknown. Here, we assess the role of endogenous DLK and LZK in the regeneration and compensatory sprouting of corticospinal tract (CST) axons in mice of both sexes with genetic analyses in a regeneration competent background provided by PTEN deletion. We found that inducible neuronal deletion of both DLK and LZK, but not either kinase alone, abolishes PTEN deletion-induced regeneration and sprouting of CST axons, and reduces naturally-occurring axon sprouting after injury. Thus, DLK/LZK-mediated injury signaling operates not only in injured neurons to regulate regeneration, but also unexpectedly in uninjured neurons to regulate sprouting. Deleting DLK and LZK does not interfere with PTEN/mTOR signaling, indicating that injury signaling and regenerative competence are independently controlled. Together with our previous study implicating LZK in astrocytic reactivity and scar formation, these data illustrate the multicellular function of this pair of MAP3Ks in both neurons and glia in the injury response of the mammalian spinal cord.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Functional recovery after spinal cord injury is limited because of a lack of axonal repair in the mammalian CNS. Dual leucine-zipper kinase (DLK) and leucine zipper kinase (LZK) are two closely related protein kinases that have emerged as regulators of neuronal responses to injury. However, their role in axonal repair in the mammalian spinal cord has not been described. Here, we show that DLK and LZK together play critical roles in axonal repair in the mammalian spinal cord, validating them as potential targets to promote repair and recovery after spinal cord injury. In addition to regulating axonal regeneration from injured neurons, both kinases also regulate compensatory axonal growth from uninjured neurons, indicating a more pervasive role in CNS repair than originally anticipated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junmi M Saikia
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine
- Neurosciences Graduate Program
| | | | - Noah D Kim
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine
| | | | - Hugo J Kim
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Yishi Jin
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Binhai Zheng
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine
- VA San Diego Healthcare System Research Service, San Diego, California 92161
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tymanskyj SR, Curran BM, Ma L. Selective axonal transport through branch junctions is directed by growth cone signaling and mediated by KIF1/kinesin-3 motors. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110748. [PMID: 35476993 PMCID: PMC9097860 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Development and function of nerve cells rely on the orchestration of microtubule-based transport from the cell body into distal axonal terminals. Neurons often have highly elaborate branches innervating multiple targets, but how protein or membrane cargos navigate through branch junctions to specific branch targets is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that anterograde transport of membrane vesicles through axonal branch junctions is highly selective, which is influenced by branch length and more strongly by growth cone motility. Using an optogenetic tool, we demonstrate that signaling from the growth cone can rapidly direct transport through branch junctions. We further demonstrate that such transport selectivity is differentially regulated for different vesicles and mediated by the KIF1/kinesin-3 family motors. We propose that this transport regulation through branch junctions could broadly impact neuronal development, function, and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Tymanskyj
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Center for Synaptic Biology, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sydney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Bridget M Curran
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Center for Synaptic Biology, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sydney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Le Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Jefferson Center for Synaptic Biology, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sydney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Winter CC, He Z, Jacobi A. Axon Regeneration: A Subcellular Extension in Multiple Dimensions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2022; 14:a040923. [PMID: 34518340 PMCID: PMC8886981 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a040923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Axons are a unique cellular structure that allows for the communication between neurons. Axon damage compromises neuronal communications and often leads to functional deficits. Thus, developing strategies that promote effective axon regeneration for functional restoration is highly desirable. One fruitful approach is to dissect the regenerative mechanisms used by some types of neurons in both mammalian and nonmammalian systems that exhibit spontaneous regenerative capacity. Additionally, numerous efforts have been devoted to deciphering the barriers that prevent successful axon regeneration in the most regeneration-refractory system-the adult mammalian central nervous system. As a result, several regeneration-promoting strategies have been developed, but significant limitations remain. This review is aimed to summarize historic progression and current understanding of this exciting yet incomplete endeavor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla C Winter
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- PhD Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Zhigang He
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Anne Jacobi
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fu H, Hu D, Chen J, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Qi C, Yu T. Repair of the Injured Spinal Cord by Schwann Cell Transplantation. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:800513. [PMID: 35250447 PMCID: PMC8891437 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.800513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in sensorimotor impairments or disability. Studies of the cellular response to SCI have increased our understanding of nerve regenerative failure following spinal cord trauma. Biological, engineering and rehabilitation strategies for repairing the injured spinal cord have shown impressive results in SCI models of both rodents and non-human primates. Cell transplantation, in particular, is becoming a highly promising approach due to the cells’ capacity to provide multiple benefits at the molecular, cellular, and circuit levels. While various cell types have been investigated, we focus on the use of Schwann cells (SCs) to promote SCI repair in this review. Transplantation of SCs promotes functional recovery in animal models and is safe for use in humans with subacute SCI. The rationales for the therapeutic use of SCs for SCI include enhancement of axon regeneration, remyelination of newborn or sparing axons, regulation of the inflammatory response, and maintenance of the survival of damaged tissue. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which transplanted SCs exert a reparative effect on SCI. Moreover, SC-based therapeutic strategies face considerable challenges in preclinical studies. These issues must be clarified to make SC transplantation a feasible clinical option. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in SC transplantation for SCI, and highlight proposed mechanisms and challenges of SC-mediated therapy. The sparse information available on SC clinical application in patients with SCI is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Fu
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Die Hu
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Qingdao Eye Hospital, Shandong Eye Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinli Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qizun Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics of Hebei Province, Department of Trauma Emergency Center, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Orthopaedics Research Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chao Qi
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Qi,
| | - Tengbo Yu
- Department of Sports Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Tengbo Yu,
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kaplan B, Levenberg S. The Role of Biomaterials in Peripheral Nerve and Spinal Cord Injury: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031244. [PMID: 35163168 PMCID: PMC8835501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries are potentially devastating traumatic conditions with major consequences for patients’ lives. Severe cases of these conditions are currently incurable. In both the peripheral nerves and the spinal cord, disruption and degeneration of axons is the main cause of neurological deficits. Biomaterials offer experimental solutions to improve these conditions. They can be engineered as scaffolds that mimic the nerve tissue extracellular matrix and, upon implantation, encourage axonal regeneration. Furthermore, biomaterial scaffolds can be designed to deliver therapeutic agents to the lesion site. This article presents the principles and recent advances in the use of biomaterials for axonal regeneration and nervous system repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Kaplan
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
- Bruce Rapaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3525433, Israel
| | - Shulamit Levenberg
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
The sudden loss of movement after spinal cord injury (SCI) is life-changing and is a major impetus to study spinal cord motor system plasticity and devise novel repair strategies. This review focuses on the motor cortex and the corticospinal tract, which are key to producing voluntary movements. The motor cortex projects directly to the spinal cord, via the corticospinal tract, and indirectly, via relays in the brain stem. With loss of the corticospinal tract after SCI, the indirect paths may bypass the injury and play an important role in voluntary control. In health and after injury, the spinal cord is a key site for activity-dependent neuroplasticity of the corticospinal system. Three kinds of activity-dependent plasticity have been identified: (1) corticospinal tract axon sprouting after electrical stimulation of the motor cortex; (2) synaptic competition between corticospinal tract and proprioceptive afferent fiber terminations; and (3) long-term potentiation (LTP) at the corticospinal tract-spinal interneuron synapse. SCI damages descending motor pathway connections and, in turn, triggers a loss of down-stream activity-dependent processes. This activity loss produces spinal interneuron degeneration and several activity-dependent maladaptive changes that underly hyperreflexia, spasticity, and spasms. Animal studies show that phasic electrical and tonic direct current stimulation can be used to supplement activity after SCI to reduce the activity-dependent degenerative and maladaptive changes. Importantly, when applied chronically neuromodulation recruits spinal neuroplasticity to improve function after SCI by promoting activity-dependent corticospinal axon sprouting and synapse formation. This helps establish new functional connections and strengthens spared connections. Combining neuromodulation to promote repair and motor rehabilitation to train circuits can most effectively promote motor recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John H Martin
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Center for Discovery and Innovation, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Neuroscience Program, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Erens C, Van Broeckhoven J, Hoeks C, Schabbauer G, Cheng PN, Chen L, Hellings N, Broux B, Lemmens S, Hendrix S. L-Arginine Depletion Improves Spinal Cord Injury via Immunomodulation and Nitric Oxide Reduction. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020205. [PMID: 35203413 PMCID: PMC8869469 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) elicits robust neuroinflammation that eventually exacerbates the initial damage to the spinal cord. L-arginine is critical for the responsiveness of T cells, which are important contributors to neuroinflammation after SCI. Furthermore, L-arginine is the substrate for nitric oxide (NO) production, which is a known inducer of secondary damage. Methods: To accomplish systemic L-arginine depletion, repetitive injections of recombinant arginase-1 (rArg-I) were performed. Functional recovery and histopathological parameters were analyzed. Splenic immune responses were evaluated by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory gene expression and nitrite concentrations were measured. Results: We show for the first time that systemic L-arginine depletion improves locomotor recovery. Flow cytometry and immunohistological analysis showed that intraspinal T-cell infiltration was reduced by 65%, and peripheral numbers of Th1 and Th17 cells were suppressed. Moreover, rArg-I treatment reduced the intraspinal NO production by 40%. Histopathological analyses revealed a 37% and 36% decrease in the number of apoptotic neurons and neuron-macrophage/microglia contacts in the spinal cord, respectively. Conclusions: Targeting detrimental T-cell responses and NO-production via rArg-I led to a reduced neuronal cell death and an improved functional recovery. These findings indicate that L-arginine depletion holds promise as a therapeutic strategy after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Erens
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (C.E.); (J.V.B.); (C.H.); (N.H.); (B.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Jana Van Broeckhoven
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (C.E.); (J.V.B.); (C.H.); (N.H.); (B.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Cindy Hoeks
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (C.E.); (J.V.B.); (C.H.); (N.H.); (B.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Gernot Schabbauer
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul N. Cheng
- Department Research and Development, Bio-Cancer Treatment International Limited, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.N.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Li Chen
- Department Research and Development, Bio-Cancer Treatment International Limited, Hong Kong 999077, China; (P.N.C.); (L.C.)
| | - Niels Hellings
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (C.E.); (J.V.B.); (C.H.); (N.H.); (B.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Bieke Broux
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (C.E.); (J.V.B.); (C.H.); (N.H.); (B.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Stefanie Lemmens
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (C.E.); (J.V.B.); (C.H.); (N.H.); (B.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (C.E.); (J.V.B.); (C.H.); (N.H.); (B.B.); (S.L.)
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, 20457 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Development of 3D culture scaffolds for directional neuronal growth using 2-photon lithography. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2021; 131:112502. [PMID: 34857288 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Conventional applications of transplant technology, applied to severe traumatic injuries of the nervous system, have met limited success in the clinics due to the complexity of restoring function to the damaged tissue. Neural tissue engineering aims to deploy scaffolds mimicking the physiological properties of the extracellular matrix to facilitate the elongation of axons and the repair of damaged nerves. However, the fabrication of ideal scaffolds with precisely controlled thickness, texture, porosity, alignment, and with the required mechanical strength, features needed for effective clinical applications, remains technically challenging. We took advantage of state-of-the-art 2-photon photolithography to fabricate highly ordered and biocompatible 3D nanogrid structures to enhance neuronal directional growth. First, we characterized the physical and chemical properties and proved the biocompatibility of said scaffolds by successfully culturing primary sensory and motor neurons on their surface. Interestingly, axons extended along the fibers with a high degree of alignment to the pattern of the nanogrid, as opposed to the lack of directionality observed on flat glass or polymeric surfaces, and could grow in 3D between different layers of the scaffold. The axonal growth pattern observed is highly desirable for the treatment of traumatic nerve damage occurring during peripheral and spinal cord injuries. Thus, our findings provide a proof of concept and explore the possibility of deploying aligned fibrous 3D scaffold/implants for the directed growth of axons, and could be used in the design of scaffolds targeted towards the restoration and repair of lost neuronal connections.
Collapse
|
39
|
Stern S, Hilton BJ, Burnside ER, Dupraz S, Handley EE, Gonyer JM, Brakebusch C, Bradke F. RhoA drives actin compaction to restrict axon regeneration and astrocyte reactivity after CNS injury. Neuron 2021; 109:3436-3455.e9. [PMID: 34508667 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
An inhibitory extracellular milieu and neuron-intrinsic processes prevent axons from regenerating in the adult central nervous system (CNS). Here we show how the two aspects are interwoven. Genetic loss-of-function experiments determine that the small GTPase RhoA relays extracellular inhibitory signals to the cytoskeleton by adapting mechanisms set in place during neuronal polarization. In response to extracellular inhibitors, neuronal RhoA restricts axon regeneration by activating myosin II to compact actin and, thereby, restrain microtubule protrusion. However, astrocytic RhoA restricts injury-induced astrogliosis through myosin II independent of microtubules by activating Yes-activated protein (YAP) signaling. Cell-type-specific deletion in spinal-cord-injured mice shows that neuronal RhoA activation prevents axon regeneration, whereas astrocytic RhoA is beneficial for regenerating axons. These data demonstrate how extracellular inhibitors regulate axon regeneration, shed light on the capacity of reactive astrocytes to be growth inhibitory after CNS injury, and reveal cell-specific RhoA targeting as a promising therapeutic avenue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Stern
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Brett J Hilton
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Emily R Burnside
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dupraz
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Emily E Handley
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jessica M Gonyer
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Cord Brakebusch
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Biomedical Institute, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank Bradke
- Laboratory of Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Venusberg Campus 1/99, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lai BQ, Zeng X, Han WT, Che MT, Ding Y, Li G, Zeng YS. Stem cell-derived neuronal relay strategies and functional electrical stimulation for treatment of spinal cord injury. Biomaterials 2021; 279:121211. [PMID: 34710795 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The inability of adult mammals to recover function lost after severe spinal cord injury (SCI) has been known for millennia and is mainly attributed to a failure of brain-derived nerve fiber regeneration across the lesion. Potential approaches to re-establishing locomotor function rely on neuronal relays to reconnect the segregated neural networks of the spinal cord. Intense research over the past 30 years has focused on endogenous and exogenous neuronal relays, but progress has been slow and the results often controversial. Treatments with stem cell-derived neuronal relays alone or together with functional electrical stimulation offer the possibility of improved repair of neuronal networks. In this review, we focus on approaches to recovery of motor function in paralyzed patients after severe SCI based on novel therapies such as implantation of stem cell-derived neuronal relays and functional electrical stimulation. Recent research progress offers hope that SCI patients will one day be able to recover motor function and sensory perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei-Tao Han
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ming-Tian Che
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ge Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chen X, Wang Y, Zhou G, Hu X, Han S, Gao J. The combination of nanoscaffolds and stem cell transplantation: Paving a promising road for spinal cord injury regeneration. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112233. [PMID: 34649357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), one of the most devastating traumas, has caused long-term disability in millions of people worldwide. The pathophysiology of SCI primarily occurs in two stages classified as primary injury and secondary injury. Due to the rupture of axons and the apoptosis of neurons, patients lose their motor, sensory, and reflex functions, which also imposes a huge burden on families and society. However, traditional surgery does not facilitate neuronal regeneration. Although neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential for multidirectional differentiation, the probability of differentiation into neurons and survival are still low. Surprisingly, the unique properties of nanotechnologies enable targeted drug delivery while reducing adverse reactions, assisting NSCs in differentiating into neurons. Here, recent studies on promising nanoscaffolds are highlighted, and their strengths and drawbacks are evaluated. Although the treatment of SCI remains fraught with challenges, the combination of nanoscaffolds and NSCs pave a promising road for SCI regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyang Wang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghui Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyuan Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Miyajima H, Itokazu T, Tanabe S, Yamashita T. Interleukin-17A regulates ependymal cell proliferation and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:766. [PMID: 34344859 PMCID: PMC8333070 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ependymal cells have been suggested to act as neural stem cells and exert beneficial effects after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the molecular mechanism underlying ependymal cell regulation after SCI remains unknown. To examine the possible effect of IL-17A on ependymal cell proliferation after SCI, we locally administrated IL-17A neutralizing antibody to the injured spinal cord of a contusion SCI mouse model, and revealed that IL-17A neutralization promoted ependymal cell proliferation, which was paralleled by functional recovery and axonal reorganization of both the corticospinal tract and the raphespinal tract. Further, to test whether ependymal cell-specific manipulation of IL-17A signaling is enough to affect the outcomes of SCI, we generated ependymal cell-specific conditional IL-17RA-knockout mice and analyzed their anatomical and functional response to SCI. As a result, conditional knockout of IL-17RA in ependymal cells enhanced both axonal growth and functional recovery, accompanied by an increase in mRNA expression of neurotrophic factors. Thus, Ependymal cells may enhance the regenerative process partially by secreting neurotrophic factors, and IL-17A stimulation negatively regulates this beneficial effect. Molecular manipulation of ependymal cells might be a viable strategy for improving functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Miyajima
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahide Itokazu
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
| | - Shogo Tanabe
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Department of Neuro-Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Quintá HR. Intraspinal Administration of Netrin-1 Promotes Locomotor Recovery after Complete Spinal Cord Transection. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2084-2102. [PMID: 33599152 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete spinal cord lesions interrupt the connection of all axonal projections with their neuronal targets below and above the lesion site. In particular, the interruption of connections with the neurons at lumbar segments after thoracic injuries impairs voluntary body control below the injury. The failure of spontaneous regrowth of transected axons across the lesion prevents the reconnection and reinnervation of the neuronal targets. At present, the only treatment in humans that has proven to promote some degree of locomotor recovery is physical therapy. The success of these strategies, however, depends greatly on the type of lesion and the level of preservation of neural tissue in the spinal cord after injury. That is the reason it is key to design strategies to promote axonal regrowth and neuronal reconnection. Here, we test the use of a developmental axon guidance molecule as a biological agent to promote axonal regrowth, axonal reconnection, and recovery of locomotor activity after spinal cord injury (SCI). This molecule, netrin-1, guides the growth of the corticospinal tract (CST) during the development of the central nervous system. To assess the potential of this molecule, we used a model of complete spinal cord transection in rats, at thoracic level 10-11. We show that in situ delivery of netrin-1 at the epicenter of the lesion: (1) promotes regrowth of CST through the lesion and prevents CST dieback, (2) promotes synaptic reconnection of regenerated motor and sensory axons, and (3) preserves the polymerization of the neurofilaments in the sciatic nerve axons. These anatomical findings correlate with a significant recovery of locomotor function. Our work identifies netrin-1 as a biological agent with the capacity to promote the functional repair and recovery of locomotor function after SCI. These findings support the use of netrin-1 as a therapeutic intervention to be tested in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor R Quintá
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental "Dr. Jorge E. Toblli," Hospital Alemán. CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhang N, Lin J, Lin VPH, Milbreta U, Chin JS, Chew EGY, Lian MM, Foo JN, Zhang K, Wu W, Chew SY. A 3D Fiber-Hydrogel Based Non-Viral Gene Delivery Platform Reveals that microRNAs Promote Axon Regeneration and Enhance Functional Recovery Following Spinal Cord Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2100805. [PMID: 34050637 PMCID: PMC8336488 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment approaches toward spinal cord injuries (SCI) have mainly focused on overcoming the inhibitory microenvironment that surrounds lesion sites. Unfortunately, the mere modulation of the cell/tissue microenvironment is often insufficient to achieve desired functional recovery. Therefore, stimulating the intrinsic growth ability of injured neurons becomes crucial. MicroRNAs (miRs) play significant roles during axon regeneration by regulating local protein synthesis at growth cones. However, one challenge of using miRs to treat SCI is the lack of efficient delivery approaches. Here, a 3D fiber-hydrogel scaffold is introduced which can be directly implanted into a spinal cord transected rat. This 3D scaffold consists of aligned electrospun fibers which provide topographical cues to direct axon regeneration, and collagen matrix which enables a sustained delivery of miRs. Correspondingly, treatment with Axon miRs (i.e., a cocktail of miR-132/miR-222/miR-431) significantly enhances axon regeneration. Moreover, administration of Axon miRs along with anti-inflammatory drug, methylprednisolone, synergistically enhances functional recovery. Additionally, this combined treatment also decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory genes and enhance gene expressions related to extracellular matrix deposition. Finally, increased Axon miRs dosage with methylprednisolone, significantly promotes functional recovery and remyelination. Altogether, scaffold-mediated Axon miR treatment with methylprednisolone is a promising therapeutic approach for SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Junquan Lin
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Vincent Po Hen Lin
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Ulla Milbreta
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Jiah Shin Chin
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate SchoolNanyang Technological University61 Nanyang DriveSingapore637335Singapore
| | - Elaine Guo Yan Chew
- Human GeneticsGenome Institute of Singapore60 Biopolis StreetSingapore138672Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University59 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
| | - Michelle Mulan Lian
- Human GeneticsGenome Institute of Singapore60 Biopolis StreetSingapore138672Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University59 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
| | - Jia Nee Foo
- Human GeneticsGenome Institute of Singapore60 Biopolis StreetSingapore138672Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University59 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
| | - Kunyu Zhang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
| | - Wutian Wu
- Guangdong‐Hongkong‐Macau Institute of CNS RegenerationMinistry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint LaboratoryJinan University601 West Huangpu AvenueGuangzhou510632P. R. China
- Re‐Stem Biotechnology Co., Ltd.1463 Wuzhong AveSuzhou330520P. R. China
| | - Sing Yian Chew
- School of Chemical and Biomedical EngineeringNanyang Technological University62 Nanyang DriveSingapore637459Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological University59 Nanyang DriveSingapore636921Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Huang N, Li S, Xie Y, Han Q, Xu XM, Sheng ZH. Reprogramming an energetic AKT-PAK5 axis boosts axon energy supply and facilitates neuron survival and regeneration after injury and ischemia. Curr Biol 2021; 31:3098-3114.e7. [PMID: 34087103 PMCID: PMC8319057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria supply adenosine triphosphate (ATP) essential for neuronal survival and regeneration. Brain injury and ischemia trigger acute mitochondrial damage and a local energy crisis, leading to degeneration. Boosting local ATP supply in injured axons is thus critical to meet increased energy demand during nerve repair and regeneration in adult brains, where mitochondria remain largely stationary. Here, we elucidate an intrinsic energetic repair signaling axis that boosts axonal energy supply by reprogramming mitochondrial trafficking and anchoring in response to acute injury-ischemic stress in mature neurons and adult brains. P21-activated kinase 5 (PAK5) is a brain mitochondrial kinase with declined expression in mature neurons. PAK5 synthesis and signaling is spatiotemporally activated within axons in response to ischemic stress and axonal injury. PAK5 signaling remobilizes and replaces damaged mitochondria via the phosphorylation switch that turns off the axonal mitochondrial anchor syntaphilin. Injury-ischemic insults trigger AKT growth signaling that activates PAK5 and boosts local energy supply, thus protecting axon survival and facilitating regeneration in in vitro and in vivo models. Our study reveals an axonal mitochondrial signaling axis that responds to injury and ischemia by remobilizing damaged mitochondria for replacement, thereby maintaining local energy supply to support central nervous system (CNS) survival and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Room 2B-215, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-3706, USA
| | - Sunan Li
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Room 2B-215, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-3706, USA
| | - Yuxiang Xie
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Room 2B-215, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-3706, USA
| | - Qi Han
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xiao-Ming Xu
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Group, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Zu-Hang Sheng
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Room 2B-215, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-3706, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Alesci A, Pergolizzi S, Lo Cascio P, Fumia A, Lauriano ER. Neuronal regeneration: Vertebrates comparative overview and new perspectives for neurodegenerative diseases. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Alesci
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Simona Pergolizzi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Patrizia Lo Cascio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Angelo Fumia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Messina Messina Italy
| | - Eugenia Rita Lauriano
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences University of Messina Messina Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Guo S, Redenski I, Levenberg S. Spinal Cord Repair: From Cells and Tissue Engineering to Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081872. [PMID: 34440641 PMCID: PMC8394921 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition, often leading to severe motor, sensory, or autonomic nervous dysfunction. As the holy grail of regenerative medicine, promoting spinal cord tissue regeneration and functional recovery are the fundamental goals. Yet, effective regeneration of injured spinal cord tissues and promotion of functional recovery remain unmet clinical challenges, largely due to the complex pathophysiology of the condition. The transplantation of various cells, either alone or in combination with three-dimensional matrices, has been intensively investigated in preclinical SCI models and clinical trials, holding translational promise. More recently, a new paradigm shift has emerged from cell therapy towards extracellular vesicles as an exciting "cell-free" therapeutic modality. The current review recapitulates recent advances, challenges, and future perspectives of cell-based spinal cord tissue engineering and regeneration strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaowei Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (S.L.)
| | - Idan Redenski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel;
| | - Shulamit Levenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel;
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (S.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gai H, Wang Y, Chan LLH, Chiu B. Identification of Retinal Ganglion Cells from β-III Stained Fluorescent Microscopic Images. J Digit Imaging 2021; 33:1352-1363. [PMID: 32705432 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-020-00365-7] [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] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic nerve crush in mouse model is widely used for investigating the course following retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) injury. Manual cell counting from β-III tubulin stained microscopic images has been routinely performed to monitor RGCs after an optic nerve crush injury, but is time-consuming and prone to observer variability. This paper describes an automatic technique for RGC identification. We developed and validated (i) a sensitive cell candidate segmentation scheme and (ii) a classifier that removed false positives while retaining true positives. Two major contributions were made in cell candidate segmentation. First, a homomorphic filter was designed to adjust for the inhomogeneous illumination caused by uneven penetration of β-III tubulin antibody. Second, the optimal segmentation parameters for cell detection are highly image-specific. To address this issue, we introduced an offline-online parameter tuning approach. Offline tuning optimized model parameters based on training images and online tuning further optimized the parameters at the testing stage without needing access to the ground truth. In the cell identification stage, 31 geometric, statistical and textural features were extracted from each segmented cell candidate, which was subsequently classified as true or false positives by support vector machine. The homomorphic filter and the online parameter tuning approach together increased cell recall by 28%. The entire pipeline attained a recall, precision and coefficient of determination (r2) of 85.3%, 97.1% and 0.994. The availability of the proposed pipeline will allow efficient, accurate and reproducible RGC quantification required for assessing the death/survival of RGCs in disease models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Gai
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Leanne L H Chan
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Bernard Chiu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Man W, Yang S, Cao Z, Lu J, Kong X, Sun X, Zhao L, Guo Y, Yao S, Wang G, Wang X. A multi-modal delivery strategy for spinal cord regeneration using a composite hydrogel presenting biophysical and biochemical cues synergistically. Biomaterials 2021; 276:120971. [PMID: 34242812 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Extensive tissue engineering studies have supported the enhanced spinal cord regeneration by implantable scaffolds loaded with bioactive cues. However, scaffolds with single-cue delivery showed unsatisfactory effects, most likely due to the complex nature of hostile niches in the lesion area. In this regard, strategies of multi-modal delivery of multiple heterogeneous cell-regulatory cues are unmet needs for enhancing spinal cord repair, which requires a thorough understanding of the regenerative niche associated with spinal cord injury. Here, by combining hierarchically aligned fibrin hydrogel (AFG) and functionalized self-assembling peptides (fSAP), a novel multifunctional nanofiber composite hydrogel AFG/fSAP characterized with interpenetrating network is designed. Serving as a source of both biophysical and biochemical cues, AFG/fSAP can facilitate spinal cord regeneration via guiding regenerated tissues, accelerating axonal regrowth and remyelination, and promoting angiogenesis. Giving the synergistic effect of multiple cues, AFG/fSAP implantation contributes to anatomical, electrophysiological, and motor functional restorations in rats with spinal cord hemisection. This study provides a novel multi-modal approach for regeneration in central nervous system, which has potentials for clinical practice of spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Man
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zheng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jiaju Lu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China; Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China; Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xiaodan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lingyun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yi Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Shenglian Yao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Guihuai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China.
| | - Xiumei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Srivastava E, Singh A, Kumar A. Spinal cord regeneration: A brief overview of the present scenario and a sneak peek into the future. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2100167. [PMID: 34080314 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) portrays appreciable complexity in developing from a neural tube to controlling major functions of the body and orchestrated co-ordination in maintaining its homeostasis. Any insult or pathology to such an organized tissue leads to a plethora of events ranging from local hypoxia, ischemia, oxidative stress to reactive gliosis and scarring. Despite unravelling the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) and linked cellular and molecular mechanism, the over exhaustive inflammatory response at the site of injury, limited intrinsic regeneration capability of CNS, and the dual role of glial scar halts the expected accomplishment. The review discusses major current treatment approaches for traumatic SCI, addressing their limitation and scope for further development in the field under three main categories- neuroprotection, neuro-regeneration, and neuroplasticity. We further propose that a multi-disciplinary combinatorial treatment approach exploring any two or all three heads simultaneously might alleviate the inhibitory milieu and ameliorate functional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Srivastava
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anamika Singh
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Biomaterial and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Centre for Nanosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.,The Mehta Family Centre for Engineering in Medicine, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|