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Rybak IA, Shevtsova NA, Audet J, Yassine S, Markin SN, Prilutsky BI, Frigon A. Operation of spinal sensorimotor circuits controlling phase durations during tied-belt and split-belt locomotion after a lateral thoracic hemisection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.10.612376. [PMID: 39314446 PMCID: PMC11419089 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.10.612376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Locomotion is controlled by spinal circuits that interact with supraspinal drives and sensory feedback from the limbs. These sensorimotor interactions are disrupted following spinal cord injury. The thoracic lateral hemisection represents an experimental model of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where connections between the brain and spinal cord are abolished on one side of the cord. To investigate the effects of such an injury on the operation of the spinal locomotor network, we used our computational model of cat locomotion recently published in eLife (Rybak et al., 2024) to investigate and predict changes in cycle and phase durations following a thoracic lateral hemisection during treadmill locomotion in tied-belt (equal left-right speeds) and split-belt (unequal left-right speeds) conditions. In our simulations, the "hemisection" was always applied to the right side. Based on our model, we hypothesized that following hemisection, the contralesional ("intact", left) side of the spinal network is mostly controlled by supraspinal drives, whereas the ipsilesional ("hemisected", right) side is mostly controlled by somatosensory feedback. We then compared the simulated results with those obtained during experiments in adult cats before and after a mid-thoracic lateral hemisection on the right side in the same locomotor conditions. Our experimental results confirmed many effects of hemisection on cat locomotion predicted by our simulations. We show that having the ipsilesional hindlimb step on the slow belt, but not the fast belt, during split-belt locomotion substantially reduces the effects of lateral hemisection. The model provides explanations for changes in temporal characteristics of hindlimb locomotion following hemisection based on altered interactions between spinal circuits, supraspinal drives, and somatosensory feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya A Rybak
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
| | - Natalia A Shevtsova
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
| | - Johannie Audet
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sirine Yassine
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Sergey N Markin
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
| | - Boris I Prilutsky
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Alain Frigon
- Department of Pharmacology-Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
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Tamburella F, Lorusso M, Merone M, Bacco L, Molinari M, Tramontano M, Scivoletto G, Tagliamonte NL. Quantifying Treatments as Usual and with Technologies in Neurorehabilitation of Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1840. [PMID: 39337181 PMCID: PMC11431302 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12181840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Several technologies have been introduced into neurorehabilitation programs to enhance traditional treatment of individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Their effectiveness has been widely investigated, but their adoption has not been properly quantified. The aim of this study is to assess the distribution of conventional (Treatment As Usual-TAU) and technology-aided (Treatment With Technologies-TWT) treatments conveniently grouped based on different therapeutic goals in a selected SCI unit. Data from 104 individuals collected in 29 months were collected in a custom database and categorized according to both the conventional American Impairment Scale classification and a newly developed Multifactor (MF) clustering approach that considers additional sources of information (the lesion level, the level of independence in the activities of daily living, and the hospitalization duration). Results indicated an average technology adoption of about 30%. Moreover, the MF clusters were less overlapped, and the differences in TWT adoption were more pronounced than in AIS-based clustering. MF clustering was capable of grouping individuals based both on neurological features and functional abilities. In particular, individuals with motor complete injuries were grouped together, whereas individuals with sensorimotor incomplete SCI were collected separately based on the lesion level. As regards TWT adoption, we found that in the case of motor complete SCI, TWT for muscle tone control and modulation was mainly selected (about 90% of TWT), while the other types of TWT were seldom adopted. Even for individuals with incomplete SCI, the most frequent rehabilitation goal was muscle tone modulation (about 75% of TWT), regardless of the AIS level, and technologies to improve walking ability (about 12% of TWT) and balance control (about 10% of TWT) were mainly used for individuals with thoracic or lumbar lesions. Analyzing TAU distribution, we found that the highest adoption of muscle tone modulation strategies was reported in the case of individuals with motor complete SCI (about 42% of TAU), that is, in cases when almost no gait training was pursued (about 1% of TAU). In the case of cervical motor incomplete SCI, compared to thoracic and lumbar incomplete SCI, there was a greater focus on muscle tone control and force recruitment in addition to walking training (38% and 14% of TAU, respectively) than on balance training. Overall, the MF clustering provided more insights than the traditional AIS-based classification, highlighting differences in TWT adoption. These findings suggest that a wider overview that considers both neurological and functional characteristics of individuals after SCI based on a multifactor analysis could enhance the personalization of neurorehabilitation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tamburella
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, Health and Health Professions, University Link Campus of Rome, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mario Merone
- Research Unit of Computer Systems and Bioinformatics, Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bacco
- Research Unit of Computer Systems and Bioinformatics, Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Tramontano
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Nevio Luigi Tagliamonte
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Research Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centered Technologies, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
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Dong L, Luan MY, Qi YN, Tian CX, Zheng Y. Calcium homeostasis restoration in pyramidal neurons through micrometer-scale wireless electrical stimulation in spinal cord injured mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 735:150487. [PMID: 39096885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is a significant neurological disorder that can result in severe motor and cognitive impairments. Neuronal regeneration and functional recovery are critical aspects of SCI treatment, with calcium signaling being a crucial indicator of neuronal excitability. In this study, we utilized a murine model to investigate the effects of targeted wireless electrical stimulation (ES) on neuronal activity following SCI. After establishing a complete SCI model in normal mice, flexible electrodes were implanted, and targeted wireless ES was administered to the injury site. We employed fiber-optic photometric in vivo calcium imaging to monitor calcium signals in pyramidal neurons within the CA3 region of the hippocampus and the M1 region of the primary motor cortex. The experimental results demonstrated a significant reduction in calcium signals in CA3 and M1 pyramidal neurons following SCI (reduced by 76 % and 59 %, in peak respectively). However, the application of targeted wireless ES led to a marked increase in calcium signals in these neurons (increased by 118 % and 69 %, in peak respectively), indicating a recovery of calcium activity. These observations suggest that wireless ES has a positive modulatory effect on the excitability of pyramidal neurons post-SCI. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing neuronal recovery and functional restoration following spinal cord injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Meng-Ying Luan
- School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Ye-Nan Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Chun-Xiao Tian
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300203, China.
| | - Yu Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, China.
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Tolmacheva A, Agranovich O, Blagovechtchenski E. The importance of brain mapping for rehabilitation in birth nonprogressive neuromuscular diseases. FRONTIERS IN NEUROIMAGING 2024; 3:1359491. [PMID: 39077762 PMCID: PMC11284525 DOI: 10.3389/fnimg.2024.1359491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
While motor mapping has been extensively studied in acquired motor conditions, a lack has been observed in terms of research on neurological disorders present since birth, with damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves (hence, defined in this study as nonprogressive neuromuscular diseases). Despite an injury at the level below the brain, the subsequent changes in the motor system involve cortical reorganization. In the scientific community, the need for a comprehensive approach targeting the brain is increasingly recognized for greater motor recovery in these patients. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are the most utilized techniques for motor mapping. The knowledge obtained through motor mapping may be used to develop effective individual neuromodulation therapy that helps in functional motor recovery. This brief review compares the results of the brain mapping of a few existing studies in individuals with nonprogressive motor disorders of nonbrain origin present at birth to the brain mapping of individuals with similar acquired motor conditions. The review reveals some particular features in terms of central adaptation in individuals with birth conditions compared to their acquired counterparts, such as the nonsomatotopic presentation of involved muscles in the sensorimotor cortex and nonadjacent cortical areas. This topic is undoubtedly intriguing, justifying further research in the field. This review also discusses the benefits these patients can obtain from neuromodulation therapy addressed to the central nervous system and the importance of individual neurophysiological assessment in designing rehabilitation therapy for children with birth motor disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Tolmacheva
- Center for Cognition and Decision Making, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Agranovich
- G.I. Turner Scientific Research Institute for Children's Orthopaedics, Ministry of Health of Russia, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny Blagovechtchenski
- Center for Cognition and Decision Making, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
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Ó Murchú SC, O'Halloran KD. BREATHE DMD: boosting respiratory efficacy after therapeutic hypoxic episodes in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Physiol 2024; 602:3255-3272. [PMID: 38837229 DOI: 10.1113/jp280280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal genetic neuromuscular disorder, characterised by progressive decline in skeletal muscle function due to the secondary consequences of dystrophin deficiency. Weakness extends to the respiratory musculature, and cardiorespiratory failure is the leading cause of death in men with DMD. Intermittent hypoxia has emerged as a potential therapy to counteract ventilatory insufficiency by eliciting long-term facilitation of breathing. Mechanisms of sensory and motor facilitation of breathing have been well delineated in animal models. Various paradigms of intermittent hypoxia have been designed and implemented in human trials culminating in clinical trials in people with spinal cord injury and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Application of therapeutic intermittent hypoxia to DMD is considered together with discussion of the potential barriers to progression owing to the complexity of this devastating disease. Notwithstanding the considerable challenges and potential pitfalls of intermittent hypoxia-based therapies for DMD, we suggest it is incumbent on the research community to explore the potential benefits in pre-clinical models. Intermittent hypoxia paradigms should be implemented to explore the proclivity to express respiratory plasticity with the longer-term aim of preserving and potentiating ventilation in pre-clinical models and people with DMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seán C Ó Murchú
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ken D O'Halloran
- Department of Physiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Garcia-Ramirez DL, McGrath JR, Ha NT, Wheel JH, Atoche SJ, Yao L, Stachowski NJ, Giszter SF, Dougherty KJ. Covert actions of epidural stimulation on spinal locomotor circuits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599598. [PMID: 38948733 PMCID: PMC11213016 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Spinal circuitry produces the rhythm and patterning of locomotion. However, both descending and sensory inputs are required to initiate and adapt locomotion to the environment. Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts descending controls of the spinal cord, producing paralysis. Epidural stimulation (ES) is a promising clinical therapy for motor control recovery and is capable of reactivating the lumbar spinal locomotor networks, yet little is known about the effects of ES on locomotor neurons. Previously, we found that both sensory afferent pathways and serotonin exert mixed excitatory and inhibitory actions on lumbar interneurons involved in the generation of the locomotor rhythm, identified by the transcription factor Shox2. However, after chronic complete SCI, sensory afferent inputs to Shox2 interneurons become almost exclusively excitatory and Shox2 interneurons are supersensitive to serotonin. Here, we investigated the effects of ES on these SCI-induced changes. Inhibitory input from sensory pathways to Shox2 interneurons was maintained and serotonin supersensitivity was not observed in SCI mice that received daily sub-motor threshold ES. Interestingly, the effects of ES were maintained for at least three weeks after the ES was discontinued. In contrast, the effects of ES were not observed in Shox2 interneurons from mice that received ES after the establishment of the SCI-induced changes. Our results demonstrate mechanistic actions of ES at the level of identified spinal locomotor circuit neurons and the effectiveness of early treatment with ES on preservation of spinal locomotor circuitry after SCI, suggesting possible therapeutic benefits prior to the onset of motor rehabilitation.
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Shirota Y, Otani T, Wasada S, Ito S, Mieda T, Nakamura K. Inner and outer penetrating spinal cord injuries lead to distinct overground walking in mice. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:345-352. [PMID: 38415183 PMCID: PMC10897851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating mechanical trauma. Although locomotion of model animals that mimic contusion SCI was actively examined, locomotion after penetrating SCI caused by sharp objects was not extensively studied. Severity of walking difficulty after partial transection of the spinal cord including penetrating SCI likely depends on the regions affected. Therefore, we compared beam walking and overground walking between mice after penetrating SCI at inner spinal cord region and mice with the injury at the outer region. Mice with the both penetrating SCIs did not display changes in beam walking. When appearance and movements of hindlimbs during overground walking was rated using Basso Mouse Scale for locomotion (BMS), however, mice with inner penetrating SCI showed low score shortly after the SCI. However, the score became high at later time points, as seen in contusion SCI mice. By contrast, BMS score did not decrease shortly after the outer penetrating SCI. However, the score became low 3 weeks after the SCI. As quantitative values during overground walking, movement duration in an open field were shorter at 1 day after the two penetrating SCIs. However, slower moving speed and fewer number of movement at 1 day were specific to mice with inner and outer penetrating SCIs, respectively. Moreover, BMS score was correlated with walking distance in open field only in mice with inner penetrating SCI. Thus, inner and outer penetrating SCI cause difficulty in overground walking with different severity and progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Shirota
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Taketo Otani
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Sayo Wasada
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ito
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Isesaki Municipal Hospital, 12-1 Tsunatori Honmachi, Isesaki, Gunma 372-0817, Japan
| | - Tokue Mieda
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
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Ramos-Torres KM, Conti S, Zhou YP, Tiss A, Caravagna C, Takahashi K, He M, Wilks MQ, Eckl S, Sun Y, Biundo J, Gong K, He Z, Linnman C, Brugarolas P. Imaging demyelinated axons after spinal cord injuries with PET tracer [ 18 F]3F4AP. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.24.590984. [PMID: 38712041 PMCID: PMC11071504 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.24.590984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often lead to lifelong disability. Among the various types of injuries, incomplete and discomplete injuries, where some axons remain intact, offer potential for recovery. However, demyelination of these spared axons can worsen disability. Demyelination is a reversible phenomenon, and drugs like 4-aminopyridine (4AP), which target K+ channels in demyelinated axons, show that conduction can be restored. Yet, accurately assessing and monitoring demyelination post-SCI remains challenging due to the lack of suitable imaging methods. In this study, we introduce a novel approach utilizing the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, [ 18 F]3F4AP, specifically targeting K+ channels in demyelinated axons for SCI imaging. Rats with incomplete contusion injuries were imaged up to one month post-injury, revealing [ 18 F]3F4AP's exceptional sensitivity to injury and its ability to detect temporal changes. Further validation through autoradiography and immunohistochemistry confirmed [ 18 F]3F4AP's targeting of demyelinated axons. In a proof-of-concept study involving human subjects, [ 18 F]3F4AP differentiated between a severe and a largely recovered incomplete injury, indicating axonal loss and demyelination, respectively. Moreover, alterations in tracer delivery were evident on dynamic PET images, suggestive of differences in spinal cord blood flow between the injuries. In conclusion, [ 18 F]3F4AP demonstrates efficacy in detecting incomplete SCI in both animal models and humans. The potential for monitoring post-SCI demyelination changes and response to therapy underscores the utility of [ 18 F]3F4AP in advancing our understanding and management of spinal cord injuries.
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Shen T, Zhang W, Wang X, Ren X. Application of"Spinal cord fusion" in spinal cord injury repair and its neurological mechanism. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29422. [PMID: 38638967 PMCID: PMC11024622 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severely disabling and catastrophic condition that poses significant global clinical challenges. The difficulty of SCI repair results from the distinctive pathophysiological mechanisms, which are characterised by limited regenerative capacity and inadequate neuroplasticity of the spinal cord. Additionally, the formation of cystic cavities and astrocytic scars after SCI further obstructs both the ascending and descending neural conduction pathways. Consequently, the urgent challenge in post-SCI recovery lies in repairing the damaged spinal cord to reconstruct a functional and intact neural conduction circuit. In recent years, significant advancements in biological tissue engineering technology and novel therapies have resulted in a transformative shift in the field of SCI repair. Currently, SCI treatment primarily involves drug therapy, stem cell therapy, the use of biological materials, growth factors, and other approaches. This paper comprehensively reviews the progress in SCI research over the years, with a particular focus on the concept of "Spinal Cord Fusion" as a promising technique for SCI reconstruction. By discussing this important research progress and the neurological mechanisms involved, our aim is to help solve the problem of SCI repair as soon as possible and to bring new breakthroughs in the treatment of paraplegia after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shen
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Weihua Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
| | - Xiaoping Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Institute of Orthopedics, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, 530011, China
- Global Initiative to Cure Paralysis (GICUP Alliance), Columbus, OH, 43221, United States
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Sánchez-Ventura J, Lago N, Penas C, Navarro X, Udina E. Link Protein 1 Is Involved in the Activity-Dependent Modulation of Perineuronal Nets in the Spinal Cord. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4267. [PMID: 38673852 PMCID: PMC11050079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges of the mature nervous system is to maintain the stability of neural networks while providing a degree of plasticity to generate experience-dependent modifications. This plasticity-stability dynamism is regulated by perineuronal nets (PNNs) and is crucial for the proper functioning of the system. Previously, we found a relation between spinal PNNs reduction and maladaptive plasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI), which was attenuated by maintaining PNNs with activity-dependent therapies. Moreover, transgenic mice lacking the cartilage link protein 1 (Crtl1 KO mice) showed aberrant spinal PNNs and increased spinal plasticity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the role of link protein 1 in the activity-dependent modulation of spinal PNNs surrounding motoneurons and its impact on the maladaptive plasticity observed following SCI. We first studied the activity-dependent modulation of spinal PNNs using a voluntary wheel-running protocol. This training protocol increased spinal PNNs in WT mice but did not modify PNN components in Crtl1 KO mice, suggesting that link protein 1 mediates the activity-dependent modulation of PNNs. Secondly, a thoracic SCI was performed, and functional outcomes were evaluated for 35 days. Interestingly, hyperreflexia and hyperalgesia found at the end of the experiment in WT-injured mice were already present at basal levels in Crtl1 KO mice and remained unchanged after the injury. These findings demonstrated that link protein 1 plays a dual role in the correct formation and in activity-dependent modulation of PNNs, turning it into an essential element for the proper function of PNN in spinal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xavier Navarro
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain (N.L.); (C.P.)
| | - Esther Udina
- Department Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain (N.L.); (C.P.)
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Hu Y, Sun Y, Yuan H, Liu J, Chen L, Liu D, Xu Y, Zhou X, Ding L, Zhang Z, Xiong L, Xue L, Wang T. Vof16-miR-185-5p-GAP43 network improves the outcomes following spinal cord injury via enhancing self-repair and promoting axonal growth. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14535. [PMID: 38168094 PMCID: PMC11017428 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14535] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Self-repair of spinal cord injury (SCI) has been found in humans and experimental animals with partial recovery of neurological functions. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the spontaneous locomotion recovery after SCI are elusive. AIMS This study was aimed at evaluating the pathological changes in injured spinal cord and exploring the possible mechanism related to the spontaneous recovery. RESULTS Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect GAP43 expression in lesion site after spinal cord transection (SCT) in rats. Then RNA sequencing and gene ontology (GO) analysis were employed to predict lncRNA that correlates with GAP43. LncRNA smart-silencing was applied to verify the function of lncRNA vof16 in vitro, and knockout rats were used to evaluate its role in neurobehavioral functions after SCT. MicroRNA sequencing, target scan, and RNA22 prediction were performed to further explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms, and miR-185-5p stands out. A miR-185-5p site-regulated relationship with GAP43 and vof16 was determined by luciferase activity analysis. GAP43-silencing, miR-185-5p-mimic/inhibitor, and miR-185-5p knockout rats were also applied to elucidate their effects on spinal cord neurite growth and neurobehavioral function after SCT. We found that a time-dependent increase of GAP43 corresponded with the limited neurological recovery in rats with SCT. CRNA chip and GO analysis revealed lncRNA vof16 was the most functional in targeting GAP43 in SCT rats. Additionally, silencing vof16 suppressed neurite growth and attenuated the motor dysfunction in SCT rats. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-185-5p competitively bound the same regulatory region of vof16 and GAP43. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated miR-185-5p could be a detrimental factor in SCT, and vof16 may function as a ceRNA by competitively binding miR-185-5p to modulate GAP43 in the process of self-recovery after SCT. Our study revealed a novel vof16-miR-185-5p-GAP43 regulatory network in neurological self-repair after SCT and may underlie the potential treatment target for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of Anesthesia Operation, The First People's Hospital of Shuangliu DistrictWest China Airport Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yi‐Fei Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hao Yuan
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Jia Liu
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Dong‐Hui Liu
- Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xin‐Fu Zhou
- Clinical and Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ze‐Tao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Liu‐Lin Xiong
- Department of AnesthesiologyAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Lu‐Lu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ting‐Hua Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Neurological Disease, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Laboratory Zoology Department, Institute of NeuroscienceKunming Medical UniversityKunmingChina
- State Key Laboratory of BiotherapySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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12
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Calderone A, Cardile D, De Luca R, Quartarone A, Corallo F, Calabrò RS. Brain Plasticity in Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2224. [PMID: 38396902 PMCID: PMC10888628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042224] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A spinal cord injury (SCI) causes changes in brain structure and brain function due to the direct effects of nerve damage, secondary mechanisms, and long-term effects of the injury, such as paralysis and neuropathic pain (NP). Recovery takes place over weeks to months, which is a time frame well beyond the duration of spinal shock and is the phase in which the spinal cord remains unstimulated below the level of injury and is associated with adaptations occurring throughout the nervous system, often referred to as neuronal plasticity. Such changes occur at different anatomical sites and also at different physiological and molecular biological levels. This review aims to investigate brain plasticity in patients with SCIs and its influence on the rehabilitation process. Studies were identified from an online search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies published between 2013 and 2023 were selected. This review has been registered on OSF under (n) 9QP45. We found that neuroplasticity can affect the sensory-motor network, and different protocols or rehabilitation interventions can activate this process in different ways. Exercise rehabilitation training in humans with SCIs can elicit white matter plasticity in the form of increased myelin water content. This review has demonstrated that SCI patients may experience plastic changes either spontaneously or as a result of specific neurorehabilitation training, which may lead to positive outcomes in functional recovery. Clinical and experimental evidence convincingly displays that plasticity occurs in the adult CNS through a variety of events following traumatic or non-traumatic SCI. Furthermore, efficacy-based, pharmacological, and genetic approaches, alone or in combination, are increasingly effective in promoting plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calderone
- Graduate School of Health Psychology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Davide Cardile
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria De Luca
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angelo Quartarone
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Corallo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, S.S. 113 Via Palermo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
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13
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Li J, Shan Y, Zhao X, Shan G, Wei PH, Liu L, Wang C, Wu H, Song W, Tang Y, Zhao GG, Lu J. Structural and functional changes in the brain after chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury. Brain Res 2024; 1823:148680. [PMID: 37977412 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether brain anatomical structures and functional network connectivity are altered after chronic complete thoracic spinal cord injury (cctSCI) and to determine how these changes impact clinical outcomes. Structural and resting-state functional MRI was performed for 19 cctSCI patients (18 for final statistics) and 19 healthy controls. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to assess gray matter volume (GMV) with differences between cctSCI patients and controls. VBM results were used as seeds for whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis. The relationship between brain changes and clinical variables was investigated. Compared with those of the control group, the left triangular inferior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, orbital inferior frontal gyrus, precuneus and parietal superior gyrus volumes of SCI patients decreased, while the left superior frontal gyrus and supplementary motor area volumes increased. Additionally, when the regions with increased GMV were used as seeds, the FC of the parahippocampus and thalamus increased. Subsequent partial correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between FC and total sensorimotor score based on the ASIA criteria (p = 0.001, r = 0.746). Overall, the structural and functional changes in the brain after cctSCI occurred in some visual and cognitive areas and sensory or motor control areas. These findings aid in improving our understanding of the underlying brain injury mechanisms and the subsequent structural and functional reorganization to reveal potential therapeutic targets and track treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yi Shan
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhao
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Guixiang Shan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Peng-Hu Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Changming Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Hang Wu
- Department of Medical Engineering, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Weiqun Song
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders, Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Guo-Guang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Brain Informatics, Beijing 100053, China.
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14
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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.
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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
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Oh J, Scheffler MS, Martin CA, Dinh J, Sheynin J, Steele AG, Sayenko DG. Characterizing neurological status in individuals with tetraplegia using transcutaneous spinal stimulation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21522. [PMID: 38057398 PMCID: PMC10700352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48811-0] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) is emerging as a valuable tool for electrophysiological and clinical assessment. This study had the objective of examining the recruitment patterns of upper limb (UL) motor pools through the delivery of TSS above and below a spinal lesion. It also aimed to explore the connection between the recruitment pattern of UL motor pools and the neurological and functional status following spinal cord injury (SCI). In eight participants with tetraplegia due to cervical SCI, TSS was delivered to the cervical spinal cord between the spinous processes of C3-C4 and C7-T1 vertebrae, and spinally evoked motor potentials in UL muscles were characterized. We found that responses observed in UL muscles innervated by motor pools below the level of injury demonstrated relatively reduced sensitivity to TSS compared to those above the lesion, were asymmetrical in the majority of muscles, and were dependent on the level, extent, and side of SCI. Overall, our findings indicate that electrophysiological data acquired through TSS can offer insights into the extent of UL functional asymmetry, disruptions in neural pathways, and changes in motor control following SCI. This study suggests that such electrophysiological data can supplement clinical and functional assessment and provide further insight regarding residual motor function in individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghoon Oh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Translational Neural Prosthetics and Interfaces, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michelle S Scheffler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Translational Neural Prosthetics and Interfaces, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Catherine A Martin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Translational Neural Prosthetics and Interfaces, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jenny Dinh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Translational Neural Prosthetics and Interfaces, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jony Sheynin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander G Steele
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Translational Neural Prosthetics and Interfaces, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dimitry G Sayenko
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Translational Neural Prosthetics and Interfaces, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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16
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Mahmoud W, Hultborn H, Zuluaga J, Zrenner C, Zrenner B, Ziemann U, Ramos-Murguialday A. Testing spasticity mechanisms in chronic stroke before and after intervention with contralesional motor cortex 1 Hz rTMS and physiotherapy. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:150. [PMID: 37941036 PMCID: PMC10631065 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01275-9] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies showed that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) reduces spasticity after stroke. However, clinical assessments like the modified Ashworth scale, cannot discriminate stretch reflex-mediated stiffness (spasticity) from passive stiffness components of resistance to muscle stretch. The mechanisms through which rTMS might influence spasticity are also not understood. METHODS We measured the effects of contralesional motor cortex 1 Hz rTMS (1200 pulses + 50 min physiotherapy: 3×/week, for 4-6 weeks) on spasticity of the wrist flexor muscles in 54 chronic stroke patients using a hand-held dynamometer for objective quantification of the stretch reflex response. In addition, we measured the excitability of three spinal mechanisms thought to be related to post-stroke spasticity: post-activation depression, presynaptic inhibition and reciprocal inhibition before and after the intervention. Effects on motor impairment and function were also assessed using standardized stroke-specific clinical scales. RESULTS The stretch reflex-mediated torque in the wrist flexors was significantly reduced after the intervention, while no change was detected in the passive stiffness. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in the clinical tests of motor impairment and function. There were no significant changes in the excitability of any of the measured spinal mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that contralesional motor cortex 1 Hz rTMS and physiotherapy can reduce the stretch reflex-mediated component of resistance to muscle stretch without affecting passive stiffness in chronic stroke. The specific physiological mechanisms driving this spasticity reduction remain unresolved, as no changes were observed in the excitability of the investigated spinal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wala Mahmoud
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans Hultborn
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jagoba Zuluaga
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Zrenner
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Brigitte Zrenner
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Ander Ramos-Murguialday
- Institute for Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Tecnalia, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, San Sebastián, Spain
- Athenea Neuroclinics, San Sebastián, Spain
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Oh J, Scheffler MS, Martin CA, Dinh J, Sheynin J, Steele AG, Sayenko DG. Transcutaneous spinal stimulation provides characterization of neurological status in individuals with tetraplegia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3513515. [PMID: 37986790 PMCID: PMC10659561 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3513515/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) is emerging as a valuable tool for electrophysiological and clinical assessment. This study had the objective of examining the recruitment patterns of upper limb (UL) motor pools through the delivery of TSS above and below a spinal lesion. It also aimed to explore the connection between the recruitment pattern of UL motor pools and the neurological and functional status following spinal cord injury (SCI). In eight participants with tetraplegia due to cervical SCI, TSS was delivered to the cervical spinal cord between the spinous processes of C3-C4 and C7-T1 vertebrae, and spinally evoked motor potentials in UL muscles were characterized. We found that responses observed in UL muscles innervated by motor pools below the level of injury demonstrated relatively reduced sensitivity to TSS compared to those above the lesion, were asymmetrical in the majority of muscles, and were dependent on the level, extent, and side of SCI. Overall, our findings indicate that electrophysiological data acquired through TSS can offer insights into the extent of UL functional asymmetry, disruptions in neural pathways, and changes in motor control following SCI. This study suggests that such electrophysiological data can supplement clinical and functional assessment and provide further insight regarding residual motor function in individuals with SCI.
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18
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Gouveia D, Carvalho C, Vong N, Pereira A, Cardoso A, Moisés M, Rijo I, Almeida A, Gamboa Ó, Ferreira A, Martins Â. Spinal shock in severe SCI dogs and early implementation of intensive neurorehabilitation programs. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105018. [PMID: 37722219 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Spinal shock is complex, paradoxical with sudden presentation, possibly leading to a guarded prognosis. Thus, it is suggested the need for early implementation of intensive neurorehabilitation. This prospective controlled blinded cohort study aims to understand the implication of spinal shock in neurorehabilitation of severe SCI dogs and the importance of its evaluation thought a spinal shock scale (SSS). 371 dogs were randomized by stratification according the presence of spinal shock in the SG (n = 245) or CG (n = 126). The SSS, a punctuation scale (0-7), was evaluated at admission and each 6 h for 3 days, each day for 15 days, each week for 6 weeks, each month until 3 months, followed by 3 monthly follow-ups. All dogs had similar land and underwater treadmill training with functional electrical stimulation. Observational dataset allowed an approximate level of power (1-β) of 0.90 and an α (Type I error) of 0.01, with a total of 11,088 SSS observations between two blinded observers and 18% of disagreement. 75% of the dogs were admitted in 24-48 h after injury, allowing early detection of spinal shock, and dogs admitted at 72 h with SSS ≥ 4 were not able to achieve ambulation. Regarding ambulation rate, there was a significant difference between groups, with 66.9% of ambulation in the SG and 97.6% in the CG. Also, there was a difference in regard to time until ambulation, with a mean of 31.57 days for the SG and 23.02 for the CG. The SSS estimated marginal means had an exponential decrease within the first 6 h, followed by a slower decrease, but always faster in spinal shock dogs diagnosed with non-compressive myelopathies. Thus, early intensive neurorehabilitation in dogs after severe SCI may benefit from SSS classifications at admission and during treatment to establish different therapeutic protocols according to each patient's needs, especially in deep pain negative dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Gouveia
- Arrábida Veterinary Hospital - Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Setubal 2925-538, Portugal; Superior School of Health, Protection and Animal Welfare, Polytechnic Institute of Lusophony, Campo Grande, Lisboa 1950-396, Portugal; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande, Lisboa 1749-024, Portugal
| | - Carla Carvalho
- Arrábida Veterinary Hospital - Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Setubal 2925-538, Portugal
| | - Natalina Vong
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Évora University, Évora 94, 7002-554, Portugal
| | - Ana Pereira
- Arrábida Veterinary Hospital - Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Setubal 2925-538, Portugal
| | - Ana Cardoso
- Arrábida Veterinary Hospital - Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Setubal 2925-538, Portugal
| | - Marina Moisés
- Arrábida Veterinary Hospital - Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Setubal 2925-538, Portugal
| | - Inês Rijo
- Arrábida Veterinary Hospital - Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Setubal 2925-538, Portugal
| | - António Almeida
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal
| | - Óscar Gamboa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal
| | - António Ferreira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal; CIISA - Centro Interdisciplinar-Investigação em Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Av. Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, Lisboa 1300-477, Portugal
| | - Ângela Martins
- Arrábida Veterinary Hospital - Arrábida Animal Rehabilitation Center, Setubal 2925-538, Portugal; Superior School of Health, Protection and Animal Welfare, Polytechnic Institute of Lusophony, Campo Grande, Lisboa 1950-396, Portugal; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande, Lisboa 1749-024, Portugal.
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Aikat R, Prasad S. Cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reliability of the Hindi version of the capabilities of upper extremity (CUE-H). Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2023; 9:50. [PMID: 37884505 PMCID: PMC10603096 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-023-00606-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Clinimetric Study. OBJECTIVES To translate and cross-cultural adapt the Capabilities of Upper Extremity (CUE) questionnaire into Hindi Language and assess the psychometric properties of the CUE-Hindi (CUE-H). SETTING Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, INDIA. METHODS The CUE-H translation and cross-cultural adaptation followed standardized guidelines. The pre-final version was tested for clarity and comprehensibility. Content Validity Estimation was done using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Cronbach's alpha was used for assessing the internal consistency and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for assessing the test-retest reliability. RESULTS All steps of the translation process were followed and documented. The CUE-H was found to be comprehensive to patients and easy to administer. Content Validity estimation resulted in the retention of all the questionnaire items. The ICC was 0.99 and Cronbach's alpha for the scale was 0.94. CONCLUSIONS The CUE-H demonstrated acceptable measurement properties, showing that it can be used for assessing upper limb functional limitations in Hindi-speaking people with SCI. It can be used as an assessment tool for clinical management or research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Aikat
- Assistant Professor, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Somya Prasad
- Occupational Therapist, The Stepping Stones Group, California, USA
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Siddiq MM, Toro CA, Johnson NP, Hansen J, Xiong Y, Mellado W, Tolentino RE, Johnson K, Jayaraman G, Suhail Z, Harlow L, Dai J, Beaumont KG, Sebra R, Willis DE, Cardozo CP, Iyengar R. Spinal cord injury regulates circular RNA expression in axons. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1183315. [PMID: 37692100 PMCID: PMC10483835 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1183315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neurons transport mRNA and translational machinery to axons for local translation. After spinal cord injury (SCI), de novo translation is assumed to enable neurorepair. Knowledge of the identity of axonal mRNAs that participate in neurorepair after SCI is limited. We sought to identify and understand how axonal RNAs play a role in axonal regeneration. Methods We obtained preparations enriched in axonal mRNAs from control and SCI rats by digesting spinal cord tissue with cold-active protease (CAP). The digested samples were then centrifuged to obtain a supernatant that was used to identify mRNA expression. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGS) after SCI and mapped them to various biological processes. We validated the DEGs by RT-qPCR and RNA-scope. Results The supernatant fraction was highly enriched for mRNA from axons. Using Gene Ontology, the second most significant pathway for all DEGs was axonogenesis. Among the DEGs was Rims2, which is predominately a circular RNA (circRNA) in the CNS. We show that Rims2 RNA within spinal cord axons is circular. We found an additional 200 putative circRNAs in the axonal-enriched fraction. Knockdown in primary rat cortical neurons of the RNA editing enzyme ADAR1, which inhibits formation of circRNAs, significantly increased axonal outgrowth and increased the expression of circRims2. Using Rims2 as a prototype we used Circular RNA Interactome to predict miRNAs that bind to circRims2 also bind to the 3'UTR of GAP-43, PTEN or CREB1, all known regulators of axonal outgrowth. Axonally-translated GAP-43 supports axonal elongation and we detect GAP-43 mRNA in the rat axons by RNAscope. Discussion By enriching for axonal RNA, we detect SCI induced DEGs, including circRNA such as Rims2. Ablation of ADAR1, the enzyme that regulates circRNA formation, promotes axonal outgrowth of cortical neurons. We developed a pathway model using Circular RNA Interactome that indicates that Rims2 through miRNAs can regulate the axonal translation GAP-43 to regulate axonal regeneration. We conclude that axonal regulatory pathways will play a role in neurorepair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa M. Siddiq
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carlos A. Toro
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Johnson
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jens Hansen
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yuguang Xiong
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Rosa E. Tolentino
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kaitlin Johnson
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Gomathi Jayaraman
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zaara Suhail
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lauren Harlow
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jinye Dai
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kristin G. Beaumont
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Studies, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Robert Sebra
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Studies, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dianna E. Willis
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY, United States
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher P. Cardozo
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ravi Iyengar
- Pharmacological Sciences and Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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21
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La Rosa G, Avola M, Di Gregorio T, Calabrò RS, Onesta MP. Gait Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review with Metanalysis Involving New Rehabilitative Technologies. Brain Sci 2023; 13:703. [PMID: 37239175 PMCID: PMC10216369 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gait recovery is a fundamental goal in patients with spinal cord injury to attain greater autonomy and quality of life. Robotics is becoming a valid tool in improving motor, balance, and gait function in this patient population. Moreover, other innovative approaches are leading to promising results. The aim of this study was to investigate new rehabilitative methods for gait recovery in people who have suffered spinal cord injuries. A systematic review of the last 10 years of the literature was performed in three databases (PubMed, PEDro, andCochrane). We followed this PICO of the review: P: adults with non-progressive spinal cord injury; I: new rehabilitative methods; C: new methods vs. conventional methods; and O: improvement of gait parameters. When feasible, a comparison through ES forest plots was performed. A total of 18 RCTs of the 599 results obtained were included. The studies investigated robotic rehabilitation (n = 10), intermittent hypoxia (N = 3) and external stimulation (N = 5). Six studies of the first group (robotic rehabilitation) were compared using a forest plot for 10MWT, LEMS, WISCI-II, and SCIM-3. The other clinical trials were analyzed through a narrative review of the results. We found weak evidence for the claim that robotic devices lead to better outcomes in gait independence compared to conventional rehabilitation methods. External stimulation and intermittent hypoxia seem to improve gait parameters associated with other rehabilitation methods. Research investigating the role of innovative technologies in improving gait and balance is needed since walking ability is a fundamental issue in patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe La Rosa
- Consorzio Siciliano di Riabilitazione, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Marianna Avola
- Consorzio Siciliano di Riabilitazione, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.L.R.); (M.A.)
| | | | | | - Maria Pia Onesta
- Unità Spinale Unipolare, AO Cannizzaro, 98102 Catania, Italy; (T.D.G.)
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22
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Van Steenbergen V, Burattini L, Trumpp M, Fourneau J, Aljović A, Chahin M, Oh H, D’Ambra M, Bareyre FM. Coordinated neurostimulation promotes circuit rewiring and unlocks recovery after spinal cord injury. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20220615. [PMID: 36571760 PMCID: PMC9794600 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury depends on the effective rewiring of neuronal circuits. Here, we show that selective chemogenetic activation of either corticospinal projection neurons or intraspinal relay neurons alone led to anatomically restricted plasticity and little functional recovery. In contrast, coordinated stimulation of both supraspinal centers and spinal relay stations resulted in marked and circuit-specific enhancement of neuronal rewiring, shortened EMG latencies, and improved locomotor recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Van Steenbergen
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Laura Burattini
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Michelle Trumpp
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Julie Fourneau
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Almir Aljović
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Maryam Chahin
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Hanseul Oh
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Marta D’Ambra
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Florence M. Bareyre
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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23
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Gulino R. Synaptic Dysfunction and Plasticity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054613. [PMID: 36902042 PMCID: PMC10003601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has supported the hypothesis that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multi-step disease, as the onset of symptoms occurs after sequential exposure to a defined number of risk factors. Despite the lack of precise identification of these disease determinants, it is known that genetic mutations may contribute to one or more of the steps leading to ALS onset, the remaining being linked to environmental factors and lifestyle. It also appears evident that compensatory plastic changes taking place at all levels of the nervous system during ALS etiopathogenesis may likely counteract the functional effects of neurodegeneration and affect the timing of disease onset and progression. Functional and structural events of synaptic plasticity probably represent the main mechanisms underlying this adaptive capability, causing a significant, although partial and transient, resiliency of the nervous system affected by a neurodegenerative disease. On the other hand, the failure of synaptic functions and plasticity may be part of the pathological process. The aim of this review was to summarize what it is known today about the controversial involvement of synapses in ALS etiopathogenesis, and an analysis of the literature, although not exhaustive, confirmed that synaptic dysfunction is an early pathogenetic process in ALS. Moreover, it appears that adequate modulation of structural and functional synaptic plasticity may likely support function sparing and delay disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gulino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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24
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Rouchka EC, de Almeida C, House RB, Daneshmand JC, Chariker JH, Saraswat-Ohri S, Gomes C, Sharp M, Shum-Siu A, Cesarz GM, Petruska JC, Magnuson DS. Construction of a searchable database for gene expression changes in spinal cord injury experiments. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.01.526630. [PMID: 36778366 PMCID: PMC9915599 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.526630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating disease resulting in an estimated 18,000 new cases in the United States on an annual basis. Significant behavioral research on animal models has led to a large amount of data, some of which has been catalogued in the Open Data Commons for Spinal Cord Injury (ODC-SCI). More recently, high throughput sequencing experiments have been utilized to understand molecular mechanisms associated with SCI, with nearly 6,000 samples from over 90 studies available in the Sequence Read Archive. However, to date, no resource is available for efficiently mining high throughput sequencing data from SCI experiments. Therefore, we have developed a protocol for processing RNA-Seq samples from high-throughput sequencing experiments related to SCI resulting in both raw and normalized data that can be efficiently mined for comparisons across studies as well as homologous discovery across species. We have processed 1,196 publicly available RNA-seq samples from 50 bulk RNA-Seq studies across nine different species, resulting in an SQLite database that can be used by the SCI research community for further discovery. We provide both the database as well as a web-based front-end that can be used to query the database for genes of interest, differential gene expression, genes with high variance, and gene set enrichments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C. Rouchka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
- Kentucky IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 522 East Gray Street, Louisville, KY USA 40202
- Bioinformatics Program, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Carlos de Almeida
- Translational Neuroscience Program, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Randi B. House
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Jonah C. Daneshmand
- Bioinformatics Program, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Julia H. Chariker
- Kentucky IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (KY INBRE) Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville School of Medicine, 522 East Gray Street, Louisville, KY USA 40202
- Department of Neuroscience Training, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Sujata Saraswat-Ohri
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
| | - Cynthia Gomes
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Morgan Sharp
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
| | - Alice Shum-Siu
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
| | - Greta M. Cesarz
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Jeffrey C. Petruska
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - David S.K. Magnuson
- Translational Neuroscience Program, School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY USA
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
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25
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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.
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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
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26
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Ke H, Yang H, Zhao Y, Li T, Xin D, Gai C, Jiang Z, Wang Z. 3D Gelatin Microsphere Scaffolds Promote Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Hemisection in Rats. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204528. [PMID: 36453595 PMCID: PMC9875663 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) damages signal connections and conductions, with the result that neuronal circuits are disrupted leading to neural dysfunctions. Such injuries represent a serious and relatively common central nervous system condition and current treatments have limited success in the reconstruction of nerve connections in injured areas, especially where sizeable gaps are present. Biomaterial scaffolds have become an effective alternative to nerve transplantation in filling these gaps and provide the foundation for simulating the 3D structure of solid organs. However, there remain some limitations with the application of 3D bioprinting for preparation of biomaterial scaffolds. Here, the approach in constructing and testing mini-tissue building blocks and self-assembly, solid 3D gelatin microsphere (GM) scaffolds with multiple voids as based on the convenient preparation of gelatin microspheres by microfluidic devices is described. These 3D GM scaffolds demonstrate suitable biocompatibility, biodegradation, porosity, low preparation costs, and relative ease of production. Moreover, 3D GM scaffolds can effectively bridge injury gaps, establish nerve connections and signal transductions, mitigate inflammatory microenvironments, and reduce glial scar formation. Accordingly, these 3D GM scaffolds can serve as a novel and effective bridging method to promote nerve regeneration and reconstruction and thus recovery of nerve function after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfei Ke
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Hongru Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal MaterialsShandong University27 Shanda NanluJinanShandong250100P. R. China
| | - Yijing Zhao
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Danqing Xin
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Chengcheng Gai
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Zige Jiang
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong University44 Wenhua Xi RoadJinanShandong250012P. R. China
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27
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Intrinsic heterogeneity in axon regeneration. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1753-1762. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20220624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is composed of a variety of neurons and glial cells with different morphology and functions. In the mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS) or the lower vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), most neurons can regenerate extensively after axotomy, while the neurons in the mammalian CNS possess only limited regenerative ability. This heterogeneity is common within and across species. The studies about the transcriptomes after nerve injury in different animal models have revealed a series of molecular and cellular events that occurred in neurons after axotomy. However, responses of various types of neurons located in different positions of individuals were different remarkably. Thus, researchers aim to find the key factors that are conducive to regeneration, so as to provide the molecular basis for solving the regeneration difficulties after CNS injury. Here we review the heterogeneity of axonal regeneration among different cell subtypes in different animal models or the same organ, emphasizing the importance of comparative studies within and across species.
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28
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Sanders Q, Chan V, Augsburger R, Cramer SC, Reinkensmeyer DJ, Sharp K. Feasibility of home hand rehabilitation using musicglove after chronic spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2022; 8:86. [PMID: 36347833 PMCID: PMC9643482 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-022-00552-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Randomized, controlled single-blind cross over study. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02473614). OBJECTIVES Examine usership patterns and feasibility of MusicGlove for at home hand rehabilitation therapy following chronic spinal cord injury. SETTING Homes of participants. METHODS Ten participants with chronic spinal cord injury completed two baseline assessments of hand function. After a stable baseline was determined all participants were randomized into two groups: Experimental and Control. Each group was given a recommended therapy dosage. Following this participants switched interventions. RESULTS On average participants had higher levels of compliance (6.1 ± 3.5 h.), and completed more grips (15,760 ± 9,590 grips) compared to participants in previous stroke studies using the same device. Participants modulated game parameters in a manner consistent with optimal challenge principles from motor learning theory. Participants in the experimental group increased their prehension ability (1 ± 1.4 MusicGlove, 0.2 ± 0.5 Control) and performance (1.4 ± 2.2 MusicGlove, 0.4 ± 0.55 Control) on the Graded and Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension subtests. Increases in performance on the Box and Blocks Test also favored the experimental group compared to the conventional group at the end of therapy (4.2 ± 5.9, -1.0 ± 3.4 respectively). CONCLUSIONS MusicGlove is a feasible option for hand therapy in the home-setting for individuals with chronic SCI. Participants completed nearly twice as many gripping movements compared to individuals from the sub-acute and chronic stroke populations, and a number far greater than the number of movements typically achieved during traditional rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Sanders
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.
| | - Vicky Chan
- Rehabilitation Services, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Renee Augsburger
- Rehabilitation Services, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Steven C Cramer
- California Rehabilitation Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David J Reinkensmeyer
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kelli Sharp
- Department of Dance, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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29
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Attribution of sensory prediction error to perception of muscle fatigue. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16708. [PMID: 36202958 PMCID: PMC9537327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory prediction-error is vital to discriminating whether sensory inputs are caused externally or are the consequence of self-action, thereby contributing to a stable perception of the external world and building sense of agency. However, it remains unexplored whether prediction error of self-action is also used to estimate the internal body condition. To address this point, we examined whether prediction error affects the perceived intensity of muscle fatigue. Participants evaluated fatigue while maintaining repetitive finger movements. To provide prediction error, we inserted a temporal delay into online visual feedback of self-movements. The results show that the subjective rating of muscle fatigue significantly increased under the delayed visual feedback, suggesting that prediction error enhances the perception of muscle fatigue. Furthermore, we introduced visual feedback that preceded actual finger movements to test whether the temporal direction of the mismatch is crucial in estimating muscle fatigue. We found that perceived fatigue was significantly weaker with preceding visual feedback compared to normal feedback, showing that the perception of muscle fatigue is affected by the signed prediction-error. Our findings support the idea that the brain flexibly attributes prediction errors to a self-origin with keeping sense of agency, or external origin by considering contexts and error characteristics.
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30
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Sanganahalli BG, Pavuluri S, Chitturi J, Herman P, Elkabes S, Heary R, Hyder F, Kannurpatti SS. Lateralized Supraspinal Functional Connectivity Correlate with Pain and Motor Dysfunction in Rat Hemicontusion Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Neurotrauma Rep 2022; 3:421-432. [PMID: 36337081 PMCID: PMC9622206 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2022.0040] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Afferent nociceptive activity in the reorganizing spinal cord after SCI influences supraspinal regions to establish pain. Clinical evidence of poor motor functional recovery in SCI patients with pain, led us to hypothesize that sensory-motor integration transforms into sensory-motor interference to manifest pain. This was tested by investigating supraspinal changes in a rat model of hemicontusion cervical SCI. Animals displayed ipsilateral forelimb motor dysfunction and pain, which persisted at 6 weeks after SCI. Using resting state fMRI at 8 weeks after SCI, RSFC across 14 ROIs involved in nociception, indicated lateral differences with a relatively weaker right-right connectivity (deafferented-contralateral) compared to left-left (unaffected-ipsilateral). However, the sensory (S1) and motor (M1/M2) networks showed greater RSFC using right hemisphere ROI seeds when compared to left. Voxel seeds from the somatosensory forelimb (S1FL) and M1/M2 representations reproduced the SCI-induced sensory and motor RSFC enhancements observed using the ROI seeds. Larger local connectivity occurred in the right sensory and motor networks amidst a decreasing overall local connectivity. This maladaptive reorganization of the right (deafferented) hemisphere localized the sensory component of pain emerging from the ipsilateral forepaw. A significant expansion of the sensory and motor network s overlap occurred globally after SCI when compared to sham, supporting the hypothesis that sensory and motor interference manifests pain. Voxel-seed based analysis revealed greater sensory and motor network overlap in the left hemisphere when compared to the right. This left predominance of the overlap suggested relatively larger pain processing in the unaffected hemisphere, when compared to the deafferented side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basavaraju G. Sanganahalli
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Swathi Pavuluri
- Department of Radiology, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences–New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jyothsna Chitturi
- Department of Radiology, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences–New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Peter Herman
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stella Elkabes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences–New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Robert Heary
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, Mountainside Medical Center, Montclair, New Jersey, USA
| | - Fahmeed Hyder
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sridhar S. Kannurpatti
- Department of Radiology, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences–New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Address correspondence to: Sridhar S. Kannurpatti, PhD, Department of Radiology, RUTGERS–New Jersey Medical School, MSB, F-506, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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Chen M, Chen Z, Xiao X, Zhou L, Fu R, Jiang X, Pang M, Xia J. Corticospinal circuit neuroplasticity may involve silent synapses: Implications for functional recovery facilitated by neuromodulation after spinal cord injury. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 14:185-194. [PMID: 36824667 PMCID: PMC9941655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to devastating physical consequences, such as severe sensorimotor dysfunction even lifetime disability, by damaging the corticospinal system. The conventional opinion that SCI is intractable due to the poor regeneration of neurons in the adult central nervous system (CNS) needs to be revisited as the CNS is capable of considerable plasticity, which underlie recovery from neural injury. Substantial spontaneous neuroplasticity has been demonstrated in the corticospinal motor circuitry following SCI. Some of these plastic changes appear to be beneficial while others are detrimental toward locomotor function recovery after SCI. The beneficial corticospinal plasticity in the spared corticospinal circuits can be harnessed therapeutically by multiple contemporary neuromodulatory approaches, especially the electrical stimulation-based modalities, in an activity-dependent manner to improve functional outcomes in post-SCI rehabilitation. Silent synapse generation and unsilencing contribute to profound neuroplasticity that is implicated in a variety of neurological disorders, thus they may be involved in the corticospinal motor circuit neuroplasticity following SCI. Exploring the underlying mechanisms of silent synapse-mediated neuroplasticity in the corticospinal motor circuitry that may be exploited by neuromodulation will inform a novel direction for optimizing therapeutic repair strategies and rehabilitative interventions in SCI patients.
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Key Words
- AMPARs, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- BMIs, brain-machine interfaces
- CPG, central pattern generator
- CST, corticospinal tract
- Corticospinal motor circuitry
- DBS, deep brain stimulation
- ESS, epidural spinal stimulation
- MEPs, motor-evoked potentials
- NHPs, non-human primates
- NMDARs, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors
- Neuromodulation
- Neuroplasticity
- PSNs, propriospinal neurons
- Rehabilitation
- SCI, spinal cord injury
- STDP, spike timing-dependent plasticity
- Silent synapses
- Spinal cord injury
- TBS, theta burst stimulation
- TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation
- TrkB, tropomyosin-related kinase B
- cTBS, continuous TBS
- iTBS, intermittent TBS
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
- rTMS, repetitive TMS
- tDCS, transcranial direct current stimulation
- tcSCS, transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zuxin Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education; Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence; MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Libing Zhou
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau CNS Regeneration Institute of Jinan University, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Jinan University)-Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, China
| | - Xian Jiang
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorder, Shenzhen Bay laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Mao Pang
- Department of Spine Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Center for Engineering and Technology Research of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
| | - Jianxun Xia
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunkang School of Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510970, China,Corresponding author.
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Dengler J, Steeves JD, Curt A, Mehra M, Novak CB, Fox IK. Spontaneous Motor Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: Issues for Nerve Transfer Surgery Decision Making. Spinal Cord 2022; 60:922-927. [PMID: 35896613 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-022-00834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES To quantify spontaneous upper extremity motor recovery between 6 and 12 months after spinal cord injury (SCI) to help guide timing of nerve transfer surgery to improve upper limb function in cervical SCI. SETTING Nineteen European SCI rehabilitation centers. METHODS Data was extracted from the European Multicenter Study of SCI database for individuals with mid-level cervical SCI (N = 268). Muscle function grades at 6 and 12 months post-SCI were categorized for analysis. RESULTS From 6 to 12 months after SCI, spontaneous surgically-relevant recovery was limited. Of all limbs (N = 263) with grade 0-2 elbow extension at 6 months, 4% regained grade 4-5 and 11% regained grade 3 muscle function at 12 months. Of all limbs (N = 380) with grade 0-2 finger flexion at 6 months, 3% regained grade 4-5 and 5% regained grade 3 muscle function at 12 months. CONCLUSION This information supports early (6 month) post-injury surgical consultation and evaluation. With this information, individuals with SCI can more fully engage in preference-based decision-making about surgical intervention versus continued rehabilitation and spontaneous recovery to gain elbow extension and/or hand opening and closing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Dengler
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tory Trauma Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John D Steeves
- ICORD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Munish Mehra
- Tigermed-BDM Inc, Gaithersburg Maryland, Maryland, USA
| | - Christine B Novak
- University of Toronto, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Ida K Fox
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Missouri, USA. .,VA St. Louis Healthcare System, St Louis Missouri, USA.
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Kugler C, Blank N, Matuskova H, Thielscher C, Reichenbach N, Lin TC, Bradke F, Petzold GC. Pregabalin improves axon regeneration and motor outcome in a rodent stroke model. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac170. [PMID: 36072905 PMCID: PMC9443992 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Surviving neurons in the peri-infarct area are able to establish novel axonal projections to juxtalesional regions, but this regeneration is curtailed by a growth-inhibitory environment induced by cells such as reactive astrocytes in the glial scar. Here, we found that the astroglial synaptogenic cue thrombospondin-1 is upregulated in the peri-infarct area, and hence tested the effects of the anticonvulsant pregabalin, a blocker of the neuronal thrombospondin-1 receptor Alpha2delta1/2, in a mouse model of cortical stroke. Studying axonal projections after cortical stroke in mice by three-dimensional imaging of cleared whole-brain preparations, we found that pregabalin, when administered systemically for 5 weeks after stroke, augments novel peri-infarct motor cortex projections and improves skilled forelimb motor function. Thus, the promotion of axon elongation across the glial scar by pregabalin represents a promising target beyond the acute phase after stroke to improve structural and functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof Kugler
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Nelli Blank
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Hana Matuskova
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Christian Thielscher
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Nicole Reichenbach
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Tien-Chen Lin
- Axon Growth and Regeneration Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Frank Bradke
- Axon Growth and Regeneration Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Gabor C Petzold
- Vascular Neurology Laboratory, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- Division of Vascular Neurology, University Hospital Bonn , 53127 Bonn , Germany
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Cardoso LRL, Bochkezanian V, Forner-Cordero A, Melendez-Calderon A, Bo APL. Soft robotics and functional electrical stimulation advances for restoring hand function in people with SCI: a narrative review, clinical guidelines and future directions. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:66. [PMID: 35773733 PMCID: PMC9245887 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01043-1] [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: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recovery of hand function is crucial for the independence of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Wearable devices based on soft robotics (SR) or functional electrical stimulation (FES) have been employed to assist the recovery of hand function both during activities of daily living (ADLs) and during therapy. However, the implementation of these wearable devices has not been compiled in a review focusing on the functional outcomes they can activate/elicit/stimulate/potentiate. This narrative review aims at providing a guide both for engineers to help in the development of new technologies and for clinicians to serve as clinical guidelines based on the available technology in order to assist and/or recover hand function in people with SCI. Methods A literature search was performed in Scopus, Pubmed and IEEE Xplore for articles involving SR devices or FES systems designed for hand therapy or assistance, published since 2010. Only studies that reported functional outcomes from individuals with SCI were selected. The final collections of both groups (SR and FES) were analysed based on the technical aspects and reported functional outcomes. Results A total of 37 out of 1101 articles were selected, 12 regarding SR and 25 involving FES devices. Most studies were limited to research prototypes, designed either for assistance or therapy. From an engineering perspective, technological improvements for home-based use such as portability, donning/doffing and the time spent with calibration were identified. From the clinician point of view, the most suitable technical features (e.g., user intent detection) and assessment tools should be determined according to the particular patient condition. A wide range of functional assessment tests were adopted, moreover, most studies used non-standardized tests. Conclusion SR and FES wearable devices are promising technologies to support hand function recovery in subjects with SCI. Technical improvements in aspects such as the user intent detection, portability or calibration as well as consistent assessment of functional outcomes were the main identified limitations. These limitations seem to be be preventing the translation into clinical practice of these technological devices created in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R L Cardoso
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Vanesa Bochkezanian
- College of Health Sciences, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Arturo Forner-Cordero
- Biomechatronics Laboratory, Escola Politecnica, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Melendez-Calderon
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Antonio P L Bo
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Hur SK, Hunter M, Dominique MA, Farag M, Cotton-Samuel D, Khan T, Trojanowski JQ, Spiller KJ, Lee VMY. Slow motor neurons resist pathological TDP-43 and mediate motor recovery in the rNLS8 model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:75. [PMID: 35568882 PMCID: PMC9107273 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01373-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the intermediate stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), surviving motor neurons (MNs) that show intrinsic resistance to TDP-43 proteinopathy can partially compensate for the loss of their more disease-susceptible counterparts. Elucidating the mechanisms of this compensation may reveal approaches for attenuating motor impairment in ALS patients. In the rNLS8 mouse model of ALS-like pathology driven by doxycycline-regulated neuronal expression of human TDP-43 lacking a nuclear localization signal (hTDP-43ΔNLS), slow MNs are more resistant to disease than fast-fatigable (FF) MNs and can mediate recovery following transgene suppression. In the present study, we used a viral tracing strategy to show that these disease-resistant slow MNs sprout to reinnervate motor endplates of adjacent muscle fibers vacated by degenerated FF MNs. Moreover, we found that neuromuscular junctions within fast-twitch skeletal muscle (tibialis anterior, TA) reinnervated by SK3-positive slow MNs acquire resistance to axonal dieback when challenged with a second course of hTDP-43ΔNLS pathology. The selective resistance of reinnervated neuromuscular junctions was specifically induced by the unique pattern of reinnervation following TDP-43-induced neurodegeneration, as recovery from unilateral sciatic nerve crush did not produce motor units resistant to subsequent hTDP-43ΔNLS. Using cross-reinnervation and self-reinnervation surgery in which motor axons are disconnected from their target muscle and reconnected to a new muscle, we show that FF MNs remain hTDP-43ΔNLS-susceptible and slow MNs remain resistant, regardless of which muscle fibers they control. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that MN identity dictates the susceptibility of neuromuscular junctions to TDP-43 pathology and slow MNs can drive recovery of motor systems due to their remarkable resilience to TDP-43-driven degeneration. This study highlights a potential pathway for regaining motor function with ALS pathology in the advent of therapies that halt the underlying neurodegenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Kwon Hur
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Mandana Hunter
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Myrna A. Dominique
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Madona Farag
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Dejania Cotton-Samuel
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Tahiyana Khan
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - John Q. Trojanowski
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Krista J. Spiller
- grid.497530.c0000 0004 0389 4927Janssen Research and Development, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, 1400 McKean Rd, Spring House, PA 19002 USA
| | - Virginia M.-Y. Lee
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Maloney Building, 3rd Floor, 3600 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2676 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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Rossano S, Toyonaga T, Bini J, Nabulsi N, Ropchan J, Cai Z, Huang Y, Carson RE. Feasibility of imaging synaptic density in the human spinal cord using [ 11C]UCB-J PET. EJNMMI Phys 2022; 9:32. [PMID: 35503134 PMCID: PMC9065222 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-022-00464-0] [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: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuronal damage and synapse loss in the spinal cord (SC) have been implicated in spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurodegenerative disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Current standards of diagnosis for SCI include CT or MRI imaging to evaluate injury severity. The current study explores the use of PET imaging with [11C]UCB-J, which targets the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), in the human spinal cord, as a way to visualize synaptic density and integrity in vivo. RESULTS First, simulations of baseline and blocking [11C]UCB-J HRRT scans were performed, based on SC dimensions and SV2A distribution to predict VT, VND, and VS values. Next, human baseline and blocking [11C]UCB-J HRRT images were used to estimate these values in the cervical SC (cSC). Simulation results had excellent agreement with observed values of VT, VND, and VS from the real human data, with baseline VT, VND, and VS of 3.07, 2.15, and 0.92 mL/cm3, respectively, with a BPND of 0.43. Lastly, we explored full SC imaging with whole-body images. Using automated SC regions of interest (ROIs) for the full SC, cSC, and thoracic SC (tSC), the distribution volume ratio (DVR) was estimated using the brain gray matter as a reference region to evaluate SC SV2A density relative to the brain. In full body imaging, DVR values of full SC, cSC, and tSC were 0.115, 0.145, and 0.112, respectively. Therefore, measured [11C]UCB-J uptake, and thus SV2A density, is much lower in the SC than in the brain. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here provide evidence for the feasibility of SV2A PET imaging in the human SC, however, specific binding of [11C]UCB-J is low. Ongoing and future work include further classification of SV2A distribution in the SC as well as exploring higher-affinity PET radioligands for SC imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Rossano
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Takuya Toyonaga
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jason Bini
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jim Ropchan
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Zhengxin Cai
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Richard E Carson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale PET Center, Yale School of Medicine, P.O. Box 208048, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Bao SS, Zhao C, Chen HW, Feng T, Guo XJ, Xu M, Rao JS. NT3 treatment alters spinal cord injury-induced changes in the gray matter volume of rhesus monkey cortex. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5919. [PMID: 35396344 PMCID: PMC8993853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09981-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) may cause structural alterations in brain due to pathophysiological processes, but the effects of SCI treatment on brain have rarely been reported. Here, voxel-based morphometry is employed to investigate the effects of SCI and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) coupled chitosan-induced regeneration on brain and spinal cord structures in rhesus monkeys. Possible association between brain and spinal cord structural alterations is explored. The pain sensitivity and stepping ability of animals are collected to evaluate sensorimotor functional alterations. Compared with SCI, the unique effects of NT3 treatment on brain structure appear in extensive regions which involved in motor control and neuropathic pain, such as right visual cortex, superior parietal lobule, left superior frontal gyrus (SFG), middle frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, insula, secondary somatosensory cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and bilateral caudate nucleus. Particularly, the structure of insula is significantly correlated with the pain sensitivity. Regenerative treatment also shows a protective effect on spinal cord structure. The associations between brain and spinal cord structural alterations are observed in right primary somatosensory cortex, SFG, and other regions. These results help further elucidate secondary effects on brain of SCI and provide a basis for evaluating the effects of NT3 treatment on brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Sheng Bao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Can Zhao
- Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, 100068, China. .,School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100068, China.
| | - Hao-Wei Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Jia-Sheng Rao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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38
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Brihmat N, Allexandre D, Saleh S, Zhong J, Yue GH, Forrest GF. Stimulation Parameters Used During Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Motor Recovery and Corticospinal Excitability Modulation in SCI: A Scoping Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:800349. [PMID: 35463922 PMCID: PMC9033167 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.800349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in non-invasive stimulation interventions as treatment strategies to improve functional outcomes and recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a neuromodulatory intervention which has the potential to reinforce the residual spinal and supraspinal pathways and induce plasticity. Recent reviews have highlighted the therapeutic potential and the beneficial effects of rTMS on motor function, spasticity, and corticospinal excitability modulation in SCI individuals. For this scoping review, we focus on the stimulation parameters used in 20 rTMS protocols. We extracted the rTMS parameters from 16 published rTMS studies involving SCI individuals and were able to infer preliminary associations between specific parameters and the effects observed. Future investigations will need to consider timing, intervention duration and dosage (in terms of number of sessions and number of pulses) that may depend on the stage, the level, and the severity of the injury. There is a need for more real vs. sham rTMS studies, reporting similar designs with sufficient information for replication, to achieve a significant level of evidence regarding the use of rTMS in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Brihmat
- Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Didier Allexandre
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Soha Saleh
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Jian Zhong
- Burke Neurological Institute and Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, NY, United States
| | - Guang H. Yue
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
| | - Gail F. Forrest
- Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers—New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
- Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, United States
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Wang C, Ellingson BM, Salamon N, Holly LT. Recovery of Supraspinal Microstructural Integrity and Connectivity in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. Neurosurgery 2022; 90:447-456. [PMID: 35076030 PMCID: PMC9514753 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000001839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains unknown if the progressive loss of axonal conduction along sensorimotor tracts can be recovered after surgery in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and if subsequent adaptive microstructural changes are associated with the neurological improvement. OBJECTIVE To investigate the upstream recovery of microstructural integrity and reorganization of microstructural connectivity that occurs in patients with DCM after surgical decompression. METHODS Preoperative and postoperative cerebral diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion spectrum imaging data were collected for 22 patients with DCM (age = 56.9 ± 9.1 years). Paired t-tests were used to identify significant microstructural changes within cohorts, and correlation analysis was used to identify whether those changes are associated with neurological improvement. RESULTS Before surgery, higher structural connectivity (SC) was observed in the prefrontal/frontal lobes, anterior cingulate, the internal and external capsules, and the anterior, posterior, and superior regions of the corona radiata fibers. Following surgery, an increased modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was associated with increased SC from the primary sensorimotor regions to the posterior cingulate and precuneus; increased SC between the cerebellum and the bilateral lingual gyri; and decreased SC from areas of the limbic system to the basal ganglia and the frontal lobe. In addition, increased fractional anisotropy and normalized quantitative anisotropy values along white matter fibers responsible for conveying sensory information and motor coordination and planning were associated with neurological improvement of patients with DCM after surgery. CONCLUSION Recovery of microstructural integrity along the corticospinal tract and other sensorimotor pathways, together with supraspinal reorganization of microstructural connectivity within sensory and motor-related regions, was associated with neurological improvement after surgical decompression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chencai Wang
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Benjamin M. Ellingson
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
- Neuroscience Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Noriko Salamon
- Department of Radiological Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
| | - Langston T. Holly
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;
- Department of Orthopaedics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Sato Y, Kondo T, Uchida A, Sato K, Yoshino-Saito K, Nakamura M, Okano H, Ushiba J. Preserved Intersegmental Coordination During Locomotion after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury in Common Marmosets. Behav Brain Res 2022; 425:113816. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Plasticity in Motoneurons Following Spinal Cord Injury in Fructose-induced Diabetic Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:888-899. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01958-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kim AR, Cha H, Kim E, Kim S, Lee HJ, Park E, Lee YS, Jung TD, Chang Y. Impact of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in motor- and sensory-related brain networks on spinal cord injury severity. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 35:e4612. [PMID: 34505321 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunctions and may affect the cerebral functions. However, the mechanisms of plastic changes in the brain according to SCI severity remain poorly understood. Therefore, in the current study, we compared the brain activity of the entire neural network according to severity of SCI using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) analysis in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). A total of 59 participants were included, consisting of 19 patients with complete SCI, 20 patients with incomplete SCI, and 20 healthy individuals. Their motor and sensory functions were evaluated. The rs-fMRI data of low-frequency fluctuations were analyzed based on fALFF. Differences in fALFF values among complete-SCI patients, incomplete-SCI patients, and healthy controls were assessed using ANOVA. Then post hoc analysis and two-sample t-tests were conducted to assess the differences between the three groups. Pearson correlation analyses were used to determine correlations between clinical measures and the z-score of the fALFF in the SCI groups. Patients with SCI (complete and incomplete) showed lower fALFF values in the superior medial frontal gyrus than the healthy controls, and were associated with poor motor and sensory function (p < .05). Higher fALFF values were observed in the putamen and thalamus, and were negatively associated with motor and sensory function (p < .05). In conclusion, alterations in the neural activity of the motor- and sensory-related networks of the brain were observed in complete-SCI and incomplete-SCI patients. Moreover, plastic changes in these brain regions were associated with motor and sensory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ae Ryoung Kim
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, South Korea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kyungpook National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - Hyunsil Cha
- Department of Medical & Biological Engineering, Kyungpook National University, South Korea
| | - Eunji Kim
- Department of Medical & Biological Engineering, Kyungpook National University, South Korea
| | - Seungho Kim
- Department of Medical & Biological Engineering, Kyungpook National University, South Korea
| | - Hui Joong Lee
- Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, South Korea
- Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - Eunhee Park
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, South Korea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kyungpook National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - Yang-Soo Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, South Korea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kyungpook National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - Tae-Du Jung
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, South Korea
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kyungpook National University Hospital, South Korea
| | - Yongmin Chang
- Department of Medical & Biological Engineering, Kyungpook National University, South Korea
- Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, South Korea
- The Department of Molecular Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, South Korea
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Schalk G, Worrell S, Mivalt F, Belsten A, Kim I, Morris JM, Hermes D, Klassen BT, Staff NP, Messina S, Kaufmann T, Rickert J, Brunner P, Worrell GA, Miller KJ. Toward a fully implantable ecosystem for adaptive neuromodulation in humans: Preliminary experience with the CorTec BrainInterchange device in a canine model. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:932782. [PMID: 36601593 PMCID: PMC9806357 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.932782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes initial work toward an ecosystem for adaptive neuromodulation in humans by documenting the experience of implanting CorTec's BrainInterchange (BIC) device in a beagle canine and using the BCI2000 environment to interact with the BIC device. It begins with laying out the substantial opportunity presented by a useful, easy-to-use, and widely available hardware/software ecosystem in the current landscape of the field of adaptive neuromodulation, and then describes experience with implantation, software integration, and post-surgical validation of recording of brain signals and implant parameters. Initial experience suggests that the hardware capabilities of the BIC device are fully supported by BCI2000, and that the BIC/BCI2000 device can record and process brain signals during free behavior. With further development and validation, the BIC/BCI2000 ecosystem could become an important tool for research into new adaptive neuromodulation protocols in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwin Schalk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Chen Frontier Lab for Applied Neurotechnology, Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Gerwin Schalk
| | - Samuel Worrell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Filip Mivalt
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Alexander Belsten
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Inyong Kim
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Dora Hermes
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Bryan T. Klassen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Nathan P. Staff
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Steven Messina
- Department of Neuroradiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Timothy Kaufmann
- Department of Neuroradiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Peter Brunner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Gregory A. Worrell
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Kai J. Miller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Quinta HR. Locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury: intimate dependence between axonal regeneration and re-connection. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:553-554. [PMID: 34380886 PMCID: PMC8504387 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.320977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hector Ramiro Quinta
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET; Laboratorio de Medicina Experimental "Dr. Jorge E. Toblli", Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Faw TD, Lakhani B, Schmalbrock P, Knopp MV, Lohse KR, Kramer JLK, Liu H, Nguyen HT, Phillips EG, Bratasz A, Fisher LC, Deibert RJ, Boyd LA, McTigue DM, Basso DM. Eccentric rehabilitation induces white matter plasticity and sensorimotor recovery in chronic spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2021; 346:113853. [PMID: 34464653 PMCID: PMC10084731 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Experience-dependent white matter plasticity offers new potential for rehabilitation-induced recovery after neurotrauma. This first-in-human translational experiment combined myelin water imaging in humans and genetic fate-mapping of oligodendrocyte lineage cells in mice to investigate whether downhill locomotor rehabilitation that emphasizes eccentric muscle actions promotes white matter plasticity and recovery in chronic, incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). In humans, of 20 individuals with SCI that enrolled, four passed the imaging screen and had myelin water imaging before and after a 12-week (3 times/week) downhill locomotor treadmill training program (SCI + DH). One individual was excluded for imaging artifacts. Uninjured control participants (n = 7) had two myelin water imaging sessions within the same day. Changes in myelin water fraction (MWF), a histopathologically-validated myelin biomarker, were analyzed in a priori motor learning and non-motor learning brain regions and the cervical spinal cord using statistical approaches appropriate for small sample sizes. PDGFRα-CreERT2:mT/mG mice, that express green fluorescent protein on oligodendrocyte precursor cells and subsequent newly-differentiated oligodendrocytes upon tamoxifen-induced recombination, were either naive (n = 6) or received a moderate (75 kilodyne), contusive SCI at T9 and were randomized to downhill training (n = 6) or unexercised groups (n = 6). We initiated recombination 29 days post-injury, seven days prior to downhill training. Mice underwent two weeks of daily downhill training on the same 10% decline grade used in humans. Between-group comparison of functional (motor and sensory) and histological (oligodendrogenesis, oligodendroglial/axon interaction, paranodal structure) outcomes occurred post-training. In humans with SCI, downhill training increased MWF in brain motor learning regions (postcentral, precuneus) and mixed motor and sensory tracts of the ventral cervical spinal cord compared to control participants (P < 0.05). In mice with thoracic SCI, downhill training induced oligodendrogenesis in cervical dorsal and lateral white matter, increased axon-oligodendroglial interactions, and normalized paranodal structure in dorsal column sensory tracts (P < 0.05). Downhill training improved sensorimotor recovery in mice by normalizing hip and knee motor control and reducing hyperalgesia, both of which were associated with new oligodendrocytes in the cervical dorsal columns (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that eccentric-focused, downhill rehabilitation promotes white matter plasticity and improved function in chronic SCI, likely via oligodendrogenesis in nervous system regions activated by the training paradigm. Together, these data reveal an exciting role for eccentric training in white matter plasticity and sensorimotor recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Faw
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Bimal Lakhani
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Petra Schmalbrock
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Michael V Knopp
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Keith R Lohse
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - John L K Kramer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hanwen Liu
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Huyen T Nguyen
- Department of Radiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Eileen G Phillips
- Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anna Bratasz
- Small Animal Imaging Shared Resources, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lesley C Fisher
- Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Rochelle J Deibert
- Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lara A Boyd
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Dana M McTigue
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - D Michele Basso
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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A near-infrared AIE fluorescent probe for myelin imaging: From sciatic nerve to the optically cleared brain tissue in 3D. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2106143118. [PMID: 34740969 PMCID: PMC8609329 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2106143118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The high spatial resolution of three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence imaging of myelinated fibers will greatly facilitate the understanding of 3D neural networks and the pathophysiology of demyelinating diseases. However, existing myelin probes are far from satisfactory because of their low–signal-to-background ratio and poor tissue permeability. We herein developed a near-infrared aggregation-induced emission-active probe, PM-ML, for high-performance myelin imaging. PM-ML could specifically image myelinated fibers in teased sciatic nerves and mouse brain tissues with high contrast, good photostability, and deep penetration depth. PM-ML staining is compatible with several tissue-clearing methods. Its application in assessing myelination for neuropathological studies was also demonstrated using a multiple sclerosis mouse model. Myelin, the structure that surrounds and insulates neuronal axons, is an important component of the central nervous system. The visualization of the myelinated fibers in brain tissues can largely facilitate the diagnosis of myelin-related diseases and understand how the brain functions. However, the most widely used fluorescent probes for myelin visualization, such as Vybrant DiD and FluoroMyelin, have strong background staining, low-staining contrast, and low brightness. These drawbacks may originate from their self-quenching properties and greatly limit their applications in three-dimensional (3D) imaging and myelin tracing. Chemical probes for the fluorescence imaging of myelin in 3D, especially in optically cleared tissue, are highly desirable but rarely reported. We herein developed a near-infrared aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active probe, PM-ML, for high-performance myelin imaging. PM-ML is plasma membrane targeting with good photostability. It could specifically label myelinated fibers in teased sciatic nerves and mouse brain tissues with a high–signal-to-background ratio. PM-ML could be used for 3D visualization of myelin sheaths, myelinated fibers, and fascicles with high-penetration depth. The staining is compatible with different brain tissue–clearing methods, such as ClearT and ClearT2. The utility of PM-ML staining in demyelinating disease studies was demonstrated using the mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Together, this work provides an important tool for high-quality myelin visualization across scales, which may greatly contribute to the study of myelin-related diseases.
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David G, Pfyffer D, Vallotton K, Pfender N, Thompson A, Weiskopf N, Mohammadi S, Curt A, Freund P. Longitudinal changes of spinal cord grey and white matter following spinal cord injury. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2021; 92:1222-1230. [PMID: 34341143 PMCID: PMC8522459 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-326337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury produce neurodegeneration across the entire neuraxis. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of spinal cord grey and white matter neurodegeneration above and below the injury is understudied. METHODS We acquired longitudinal data from 13 traumatic and 3 non-traumatic spinal cord injury patients (8-8 cervical and thoracic cord injuries) within 1.5 years after injury and 10 healthy controls over the same period. The protocol encompassed structural and diffusion-weighted MRI rostral (C2/C3) and caudal (lumbar enlargement) to the injury level to track tissue-specific neurodegeneration. Regression models assessed group differences in the temporal evolution of tissue-specific changes and associations with clinical outcomes. RESULTS At 2 months post-injury, white matter area was decreased by 8.5% and grey matter by 15.9% in the lumbar enlargement, while at C2/C3 only white matter was decreased (-9.7%). Patients had decreased cervical fractional anisotropy (FA: -11.3%) and increased radial diffusivity (+20.5%) in the dorsal column, while FA was lower in the lateral (-10.3%) and ventral columns (-9.7%) of the lumbar enlargement. White matter decreased by 0.34% and 0.35% per month at C2/C3 and lumbar enlargement, respectively, and grey matter decreased at C2/C3 by 0.70% per month. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the spatiotemporal dynamics of tissue-specific spinal cord neurodegeneration above and below a spinal cord injury. While above the injury, grey matter atrophy lagged initially behind white matter neurodegeneration, in the lumbar enlargement these processes progressed in parallel. Tracking trajectories of tissue-specific neurodegeneration provides valuable assessment tools for monitoring recovery and treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely David
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Pfyffer
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Vallotton
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nikolai Pfender
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alan Thompson
- Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Nikolaus Weiskopf
- Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Felix Bloch Institute for Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Siawoosh Mohammadi
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland .,Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Neurophysics, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.,Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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Sanganahalli BG, Chitturi J, Herman P, Elkabes S, Heary R, Hyder F, Kannurpatti S. Supraspinal sensorimotor and pain-related reorganization after a hemicontusion rat cervical spinal cord injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:3393-3405. [PMID: 34714150 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the presence of pain impedes motor recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), it is necessary to understand their supraspinal substrates in translational animal models. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a rat model of hemicontusion cervical SCI, supraspinal changes were mapped and correlated with sensorimotor behavioral outcomes. Female adult rats underwent sham or SCI using a 2.5 mm impactor and 150 kDyne force. SCI permanently impaired motor activity in only the ipsilesional forelimb along with thermal hyperalgesia at 5 and 6 wks. Spinal MRI at 8 wks after SCI showed ipsilateral T1 and T2 lesions with no discernable lesions across shams. fMRI mapping during electrical forepaw stimulation indicated SCI-induced sensorimotor reorganization with an expansion of the contralesional forelimb representation. Resting state fMRI based functional connectivity density (FCD), a marker of regional neuronal hubs increased or decreased across brain regions involved in nociception. FCD increases after SCI were in the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices (S1 and S2), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and decreases were across the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus and amygdala in SCI. Resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) assessments from the FCD altered regions of interest indicated cortico-cortical RSFC increases and cortico-insular, cortico-thalamic and cortico-hypothalamic RSFC decreases after SCI. Hippocampus, amygdala and thalamus showed decreased RSFC with most cortical regions and between themselves except the hippocampus-amygdala network, which showed increased RSFC after SCI. While select nociceptive region's intrinsic activity associated strongly with evoked pain behaviors after SCI (eg., PFC, ACC, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, M1 and S1BF) other nociceptive regions had weaker associations (eg., amygdala, insula, auditory cortex, S1FL, S1HL, S2 and M2), but differed significantly in their intrinsic activities between sham and SCI. The weaker associated nociceptive regions may possibly encode both the evoked and affective components of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basavaraju G Sanganahalli
- Yale University School of Medicine, 12228, Diagnostic Radiology, New Haven, Connecticut, United States;
| | - Jyothsna Chitturi
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, 5751, Radiology, Newark, New Jersey, United States;
| | - Peter Herman
- Yale University School of Medicine, 12228, Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Section of Bioimaging Science, New Haven, Connecticut, United States;
| | - Stella Elkabes
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, 5751, Neurosurgery, Newark, New Jersey, United States;
| | - Robert Heary
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, 576909, Nutley, New Jersey, United States;
| | | | - Sridhar Kannurpatti
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, 5751, Radiology, Newark, New Jersey, United States;
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Martins Â, Gouveia D, Cardoso A, Carvalho C, Coelho T, Silva C, Viegas I, Gamboa Ó, Ferreira A. A Controlled Clinical Study of Intensive Neurorehabilitation in Post-Surgical Dogs with Severe Acute Intervertebral Disc Extrusion. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113034. [PMID: 34827767 PMCID: PMC8614363 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study explores the potential intensive neurorehabilitation plasticity effects in post-surgical paraplegic dogs with severe acute intervertebral disc extrusion aiming to achieve ambulatory status. The intensive neurorehabilitation protocol translated in 99.4% (167/168) of recovery in deep pain perception-positive dogs and 58.5% (55/94) in deep pain perception-negative dogs. There was 37.3% (22/59) spinal reflex locomotion, obtained within a maximum period of 3 months. Thus, intensive neurorehabilitation may be a useful approach for this population of dogs, avoiding future euthanasia and promoting an estimated time window of 3 months to recover. Abstract This retrospective controlled clinical study aimed to verify if intensive neurorehabilitation (INR) could improve ambulation faster than spontaneous recovery or conventional physiotherapy and provide a possible therapeutic approach in post-surgical paraplegic deep pain perception-positive (DPP+) (with absent/decreased flexor reflex) and DPP-negative (DDP−) dogs, with acute intervertebral disc extrusion. A large cohort of T10-L3 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) dogs (n = 367) were divided into a study group (SG) (n = 262) and a control group (CG) (n = 105). The SG was based on prospective clinical cases, and the CG was created by retrospective medical records. All SG dogs performed an INR protocol by the hospitalization regime based on locomotor training, electrical stimulation, and, for DPP−, a combination with pharmacological management. All were monitored throughout the process, and measuring the outcome for DPP+ was performed by OFS and, for the DPP−, by the new Functional Neurorehabilitation Scale (FNRS-DPP−). In the SG, DPP+ dogs had an ambulation rate of 99.4% (n = 167) and, in DPP−, of 58.5% (n = 55). Moreover, in DPP+, there was a strong statistically significant difference between groups regarding ambulation (p < 0.001). The same significant difference was verified in the DPP– dogs (p = 0.007). Furthermore, a tendency toward a significant statistical difference (p = 0.058) regarding DPP recovery was demonstrated between groups. Of the 59 dogs that did not recover DPP, 22 dogs achieved spinal reflex locomotion (SRL), 37.2% within a maximum of 3 months. The progressive myelomalacia cases were 14.9% (14/94). Therefore, although it is difficult to assess the contribution of INR for recovery, the results suggested that ambulation success may be improved, mainly regarding time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângela Martins
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, Campo Grande, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-583 Setúbal, Portugal; (D.G.); (A.C.); (C.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (I.V.)
- CIISA—Centro Interdisciplinar-Investigação em Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Av. Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Superior School of Health, Protection and Animal Welfare, Polytechnic Institute of Lusophony, Campo Grande, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Débora Gouveia
- Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-583 Setúbal, Portugal; (D.G.); (A.C.); (C.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (I.V.)
- Superior School of Health, Protection and Animal Welfare, Polytechnic Institute of Lusophony, Campo Grande, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Cardoso
- Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-583 Setúbal, Portugal; (D.G.); (A.C.); (C.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (I.V.)
| | - Carla Carvalho
- Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-583 Setúbal, Portugal; (D.G.); (A.C.); (C.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (I.V.)
| | - Tiago Coelho
- Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-583 Setúbal, Portugal; (D.G.); (A.C.); (C.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (I.V.)
| | - Cátia Silva
- Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-583 Setúbal, Portugal; (D.G.); (A.C.); (C.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (I.V.)
| | - Inês Viegas
- Animal Rehabilitation Center, Arrábida Veterinary Hospital, Azeitão, 2925-583 Setúbal, Portugal; (D.G.); (A.C.); (C.C.); (T.C.); (C.S.); (I.V.)
| | - Óscar Gamboa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - António Ferreira
- CIISA—Centro Interdisciplinar-Investigação em Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Av. Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Sahni V, Shnider SJ, Jabaudon D, Song JHT, Itoh Y, Greig LC, Macklis JD. Corticospinal neuron subpopulation-specific developmental genes prospectively indicate mature segmentally specific axon projection targeting. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109843. [PMID: 34686320 PMCID: PMC8653526 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
For precise motor control, distinct subpopulations of corticospinal neurons (CSN) must extend axons to distinct spinal segments, from proximal targets in the brainstem and cervical cord to distal targets in thoracic and lumbar spinal segments. We find that developing CSN subpopulations exhibit striking axon targeting specificity in spinal white matter, which establishes the foundation for durable specificity of adult corticospinal circuitry. Employing developmental retrograde and anterograde labeling, and their distinct neocortical locations, we purified developing CSN subpopulations using fluorescence-activated cell sorting to identify genes differentially expressed between bulbar-cervical and thoracolumbar-projecting CSN subpopulations at critical developmental times. These segmentally distinct CSN subpopulations are molecularly distinct from the earliest stages of axon extension, enabling prospective identification even before eventual axon targeting decisions are evident in the spinal cord. This molecular delineation extends beyond simple spatial separation of these subpopulations in the cortex. Together, these results identify candidate molecular controls over segmentally specific corticospinal axon projection targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhu Sahni
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sara J Shnider
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Denis Jabaudon
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Janet H T Song
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Itoh
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Luciano C Greig
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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