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Michel-Flutot P, Cheng L, Thomas SJ, Lisi B, Schwartz H, Lam S, Lyttle M, Jaffe DA, Smith G, Li S, Wright MC, Lepore AC. PTEN inhibition promotes robust growth of bulbospinal respiratory axons and partial recovery of diaphragm function in a chronic model of cervical contusion spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114816. [PMID: 38789023 PMCID: PMC11200215 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114816] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
High spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to persistent and debilitating compromise in respiratory function. Cervical SCI not only causes the death of phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs) that innervate the diaphragm, but also damages descending respiratory pathways originating in the rostral ventral respiratory group (rVRG) located in the brainstem, resulting in denervation and consequent silencing of spared PhMNs located caudal to injury. It is imperative to determine whether interventions targeting rVRG axon growth and respiratory neural circuit reconnection are efficacious in chronic cervical contusion SCI, given that the vast majority of individuals are chronically-injured and most cases of SCI involve contusion-type damage to the cervical region. We therefore employed a rat model of chronic cervical hemicontusion to test therapeutic manipulations aimed at reconstructing damaged rVRG-PhMN-diaphragm circuitry to achieve recovery of respiratory function. At a chronic time point post-injury, we systemically administered: an antagonist peptide directed against phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a central inhibitor of neuron-intrinsic axon growth potential; an antagonist peptide directed against receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ), another important negative regulator of axon growth capacity; or a combination of these two peptides. PTEN antagonist peptide (PAP4) promoted partial recovery of diaphragm motor activity out to nine months post-injury (though this effect depended on the anesthetic regimen used during recording), while PTPσ peptide did not impact diaphragm function after cervical SCI. Furthermore, PAP4 promoted robust growth of descending bulbospinal rVRG axons caudal to the injury within the denervated portion of the PhMN pool, while PTPσ peptide did not affect rVRG axon growth at this location that is critical to control of diaphragmatic respiratory function. In conclusion, we find that, when PTEN inhibition is targeted at a chronic time point following cervical contusion, our non-invasive PAP4 strategy can successfully promote significant regrowth of damaged respiratory neural circuitry and also partial recovery of diaphragm motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Michel-Flutot
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Lan Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Samantha J Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Brianna Lisi
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Harrison Schwartz
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Sandy Lam
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Megan Lyttle
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - David A Jaffe
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - George Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 191405104, USA
| | - Shuxin Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 191405104, USA
| | - Megan C Wright
- Department of Biology, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA 19038, USA
| | - Angelo C Lepore
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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2
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Hingorani S, Paniagua Soriano G, Sánchez Huertas C, Villalba Riquelme EM, López Mocholi E, Martínez Rojas B, Alastrué Agudo A, Dupraz S, Ferrer Montiel AV, Moreno Manzano V. Transplantation of dorsal root ganglia overexpressing the NaChBac sodium channel improves locomotion after complete SCI. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1739-1759. [PMID: 38556794 PMCID: PMC11184342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition currently lacking treatment. Severe SCI causes the loss of most supraspinal inputs and neuronal activity caudal to the injury, which, coupled with the limited endogenous capacity for spontaneous regeneration, can lead to complete functional loss even in anatomically incomplete lesions. We hypothesized that transplantation of mature dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) genetically modified to express the NaChBac sodium channel could serve as a therapeutic option for functionally complete SCI. We found that NaChBac expression increased the intrinsic excitability of DRG neurons and promoted cell survival and neurotrophic factor secretion in vitro. Transplantation of NaChBac-expressing dissociated DRGs improved voluntary locomotion 7 weeks after injury compared to control groups. Animals transplanted with NaChBac-expressing DRGs also possessed higher tubulin-positive neuronal fiber and myelin preservation, although serotonergic descending fibers remained unaffected. We observed early preservation of the corticospinal tract 14 days after injury and transplantation, which was lost 7 weeks after injury. Nevertheless, transplantation of NaChBac-expressing DRGs increased the neuronal excitatory input by an increased number of VGLUT2 contacts immediately caudal to the injury. Our work suggests that the transplantation of NaChBac-expressing dissociated DRGs can rescue significant motor function, retaining an excitatory neuronal relay activity immediately caudal to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Hingorani
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillem Paniagua Soriano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez Huertas
- Development and Assembly of Bilateral Neural Circuits Laboratory, Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Miguel Hernández, Avenida Santiago Ramon y Cajal, s/n, 03550 Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eva María Villalba Riquelme
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche-IDiBE, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, Edificio Torregaitán, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eric López Mocholi
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martínez Rojas
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Alastrué Agudo
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sebastián Dupraz
- Laboratory for Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonio Vicente Ferrer Montiel
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación en Biotecnología Sanitaria de Elche-IDiBE, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, Edificio Torregaitán, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain.
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Bi Y, Duan W, Silver J. Collagen I is a critical organizer of scarring and CNS regeneration failure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.592424. [PMID: 38766123 PMCID: PMC11100746 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.592424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Although axotomized neurons retain the ability to initiate the formation of growth cones and attempt to regenerate after spinal cord injury, the scar area formed as a result of the lesion in most adult mammals contains a variety of reactive cells that elaborate multiple extracellular matrix and enzyme components that are not suitable for regrowth 1,2 . Newly migrating axons in the vicinity of the scar utilize upregulated LAR family receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases, such as PTPσ, to associate with extracellular chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which have been discovered to tightly entrap the regrowing axon tip and transform it into a dystrophic non-growing endball. The scar is comprised of two compartments, one in the lesion penumbra, the glial scar, composed of reactive microglia, astrocytes and OPCs; and the other in the lesion epicenter, the fibrotic scar, which is made up of fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells and inflammatory cells. While the fibrotic scar is known to be strongly inhibitory, even more so than the glial scar, the molecular determinants that curtail axon elongation through the injury core are largely uncharacterized. Here, we show that one sole member of the entire family of collagens, collagen I, creates an especially potent inducer of endball formation and regeneration failure. The inhibitory signaling is mediated by mechanosensitive ion channels and RhoA activation. Staggered systemic administration of two blood-brain barrier permeable-FDA approved drugs, aspirin and pirfenidone, reduced fibroblast incursion into the complete lesion and dramatically decreased collagen I, as well as CSPG deposition which were accompanied by axonal growth and considerable functional recovery. The anatomical substrate for robust axonal regeneration was provided by laminin producing GFAP + and NG2 + bridging cells that spanned the wound. Our results reveal a collagen I-mechanotransduction axis that regulates axonal regrowth in spinal cord injury and raise a promising strategy for rapid clinical application.
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Paveliev M, Egorchev AA, Musin F, Lipachev N, Melnikova A, Gimadutdinov RM, Kashipov AR, Molotkov D, Chickrin DE, Aganov AV. Perineuronal Net Microscopy: From Brain Pathology to Artificial Intelligence. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4227. [PMID: 38673819 PMCID: PMC11049984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PNN) are a special highly structured type of extracellular matrix encapsulating synapses on large populations of CNS neurons. PNN undergo structural changes in schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, post-traumatic conditions, and some other brain disorders. The functional role of the PNN microstructure in brain pathologies has remained largely unstudied until recently. Here, we review recent research implicating PNN microstructural changes in schizophrenia and other disorders. We further concentrate on high-resolution studies of the PNN mesh units surrounding synaptic boutons to elucidate fine structural details behind the mutual functional regulation between the ECM and the synaptic terminal. We also review some updates regarding PNN as a potential pharmacological target. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods are now arriving as a new tool that may have the potential to grasp the brain's complexity through a wide range of organization levels-from synaptic molecular events to large scale tissue rearrangements and the whole-brain connectome function. This scope matches exactly the complex role of PNN in brain physiology and pathology processes, and the first AI-assisted PNN microscopy studies have been reported. To that end, we report here on a machine learning-assisted tool for PNN mesh contour tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Paveliev
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anton A. Egorchev
- Institute of Computational Mathematics and Information Technologies, Kazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya 35, Kazan 420008, Tatarstan, Russia; (A.A.E.); (F.M.); (R.M.G.)
| | - Foat Musin
- Institute of Computational Mathematics and Information Technologies, Kazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya 35, Kazan 420008, Tatarstan, Russia; (A.A.E.); (F.M.); (R.M.G.)
| | - Nikita Lipachev
- Institute of Physics, Kazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya 16a, Kazan 420008, Tatarstan, Russia; (N.L.); (A.V.A.)
| | - Anastasiia Melnikova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Karl Marx 74, Kazan 420015, Tatarstan, Russia;
| | - Rustem M. Gimadutdinov
- Institute of Computational Mathematics and Information Technologies, Kazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya 35, Kazan 420008, Tatarstan, Russia; (A.A.E.); (F.M.); (R.M.G.)
| | - Aidar R. Kashipov
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Systems Engineering, Kazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya 18, Kazan 420008, Tatarstan, Russia; (A.R.K.); (D.E.C.)
| | - Dmitry Molotkov
- Biomedicum Imaging Unit, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Dmitry E. Chickrin
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Systems Engineering, Kazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya 18, Kazan 420008, Tatarstan, Russia; (A.R.K.); (D.E.C.)
| | - Albert V. Aganov
- Institute of Physics, Kazan Federal University, Kremlyovskaya 16a, Kazan 420008, Tatarstan, Russia; (N.L.); (A.V.A.)
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5
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Listov D, Goverde CA, Correia BE, Fleishman SJ. Opportunities and challenges in design and optimization of protein function. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41580-024-00718-y. [PMID: 38565617 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00718-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The field of protein design has made remarkable progress over the past decade. Historically, the low reliability of purely structure-based design methods limited their application, but recent strategies that combine structure-based and sequence-based calculations, as well as machine learning tools, have dramatically improved protein engineering and design. In this Review, we discuss how these methods have enabled the design of increasingly complex structures and therapeutically relevant activities. Additionally, protein optimization methods have improved the stability and activity of complex eukaryotic proteins. Thanks to their increased reliability, computational design methods have been applied to improve therapeutics and enzymes for green chemistry and have generated vaccine antigens, antivirals and drug-delivery nano-vehicles. Moreover, the high success of design methods reflects an increased understanding of basic rules that govern the relationships among protein sequence, structure and function. However, de novo design is still limited mostly to α-helix bundles, restricting its potential to generate sophisticated enzymes and diverse protein and small-molecule binders. Designing complex protein structures is a challenging but necessary next step if we are to realize our objective of generating new-to-nature activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Listov
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Casper A Goverde
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bruno E Correia
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Sarel Jacob Fleishman
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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6
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Ma L, Zhu C, Wei YF, Zhou JY, Chen M, Zhang X, Zhou P, Wang Y, Wang J, Chu C, Tang JY, Xu Y. Chronic chemogenetic inhibition of TRPV1 bladder afferent promotes micturition recovery post SCI. Exp Neurol 2024; 374:114686. [PMID: 38199507 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114686] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury often results in chronic loss of micturition control, which is featured by bladder hyperreflexia and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Previous studies showed that treatment of capsaicin reduces non-voiding bladder contractions in multiple animal injury models and human patients. However, its underlying neural mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, by injecting a RetroAAV into the bladder wall, we specifically targeted TRPV1+, a capsaicin receptor, bladder afferent neurons. Morphometric analysis revealed borderline increase of the soma size and significant spinal axon sprouting of TRPV1+ bladder afferent neurons post a complete T8 spinal cord crush. We further demonstrated that chronic chemogenetic inhibition of these DRG neurons improved micturition recovery after SCI by increasing voiding efficiency and alleviating bladder hyperreflexia, along with reduced morphological changes caused by injury. Our study provided novel insights into the structural and functional changes of TRPV1+ bladder afferent post SCI and further supports the clinical use of capsaicin as an effective treatment to improve bladder functions in patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Ma
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun-Fei Wei
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Chen
- General Internal Medicine Department, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Can Chu
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Tang
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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7
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Hashimoto S, Nagoshi N, Nakamura M, Okano H. Regenerative medicine strategies for chronic complete spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:818-824. [PMID: 37843217 PMCID: PMC10664101 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a condition in which the parenchyma of the spinal cord is damaged by trauma or various diseases. While rapid progress has been made in regenerative medicine for spinal cord injury that was previously untreatable, most research in this field has focused on the early phase of incomplete injury. However, the majority of patients have chronic severe injuries; therefore, treatments for these situations are of fundamental importance. The reason why the treatment of complete spinal cord injury has not been studied is that, unlike in the early stage of incomplete spinal cord injury, there are various inhibitors of neural regeneration. Thus, we assumed that it is difficult to address all conditions with a single treatment in chronic complete spinal cord injury and that a combination of several treatments is essential to target severe pathologies. First, we established a combination therapy of cell transplantation and drug-releasing scaffolds, which contributes to functional recovery after chronic complete transection spinal cord injury, but we found that functional recovery was limited and still needs further investigation. Here, for the further development of the treatment of chronic complete spinal cord injury, we review the necessary approaches to the different pathologies based on our findings and the many studies that have been accumulated to date and discuss, with reference to the literature, which combination of treatments is most effective in achieving functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Hashimoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Yang R, Zhang Y, Kang J, Zhang C, Ning B. Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans Revisited: Its Mechanism of Generation and Action for Spinal Cord Injury. Aging Dis 2024; 15:153-168. [PMID: 37307832 PMCID: PMC10796098 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes (RAs) produce chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in large quantities after spinal cord injury (SCI) and inhibit axon regeneration through the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) pathway. However, the mechanism of producing CSPGs by RAs and their roles in other aspects are often overlooked. In recent years, novel generation mechanisms and functions of CSPGs have gradually emerged. Extracellular traps (ETs), a new recently discovered phenomenon in SCI, can promote secondary injury. ETs are released by neutrophils and microglia, which activate astrocytes to produce CSPGs after SCI. CSPGs inhibit axon regeneration and play an important role in regulating inflammation as well as cell migration and differentiation; some of these regulations are beneficial. The current review summarized the process of ET-activated RAs to generate CSPGs at the cellular signaling pathway level. Moreover, the roles of CSPGs in inhibiting axon regeneration, regulating inflammation, and regulating cell migration and differentiation were discussed. Finally, based on the above process, novel potential therapeutic targets were proposed to eliminate the adverse effects of CSPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Ying Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianning Kang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ce Zhang
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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9
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Chuang K. Symptomatic Treatment of Myelopathy. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2024; 30:224-242. [PMID: 38330480 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article discusses the effects of myelopathy on multiple organ systems and reviews the treatment and management of some of these effects. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Recent advances in functional electrical stimulation, epidural spinal cord stimulation, robotics, and surgical techniques such as nerve transfer show promise in improving function in patients with myelopathy. Ongoing research in stem cell therapy and neurotherapeutic drugs may provide further therapeutic avenues in the future. ESSENTIAL POINTS Treatment for symptoms of spinal cord injury should be targeted toward patient goals. If nerve transfer for upper extremity function is considered, the patient should be evaluated at around 6 months from injury to assess for lower motor neuron involvement and possible time limitations of surgery. A patient with injury at or above the T6 level is at risk for autonomic dysreflexia, a life-threatening condition that presents with elevated blood pressure and can lead to emergent hypertensive crisis. Baclofen withdrawal due to baclofen pump failure or programming errors may also be life-threatening. Proper management of symptoms may help avoid complications such as autonomic dysreflexia, renal failure, heterotopic ossification, and fractures.
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10
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Fisher KM, Garner JP, Darian-Smith C. Chronic Adaptations in the Dorsal Horn Following a Cervical Spinal Cord Injury in Primates. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0877232023. [PMID: 38233220 PMCID: PMC10860610 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0877-23.2023] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is devastating, with limited treatment options and variable outcomes. Most in vivo SCI research has focused on the acute and early post-injury periods, and the promotion of axonal growth, so little is understood about the clinically stable chronic state, axonal growth over time, and what plasticity endures. Here, we followed animals into the chronic phase following SCI, to address this gap. Male macaques received targeted deafferentation, affecting three digits of one hand, and were divided into short (4-6 months) or long-term (11-12 months) groups, based on post-injury survival times. Monkeys were assessed behaviorally, where possible, and all exhibited an initial post-injury deficit in manual dexterity, with gradual functional recovery over 2 months. We previously reported extensive sprouting of somatosensory corticospinal (S1 CST) fibers in the dorsal horn in the first five post-injury months. Here, we show that by 1 year, the S1 CST sprouting is pruned, with the terminal territory resembling control animals. This was reflected in the number of putatively "functional" synapses observed, which increased over the first 4-5 months, and then returned to baseline by 1 year. Microglia density also increased in the affected dorsal horn at 4-6 months and then decreased, but did not return to baseline by 1 year, suggesting refinement continues beyond this time. Overall, there is a long period of reorganization and consolidation of adaptive circuitry in the dorsal horn, extending well beyond the initial behavioral recovery. This provides a potential window to target therapeutic opportunities during the chronic phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Fisher
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford 94305-5342, California
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford 94305-5342, California
| | - Corinna Darian-Smith
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford 94305-5342, California
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11
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Michel-Flutot P, Cheng L, Thomas SJ, Lisi B, Schwartz H, Lam S, Lyttle M, Jaffe DA, Smith G, Li S, Wright MC, Lepore AC. PTEN inhibition promotes robust growth of bulbospinal respiratory axons and partial recovery of diaphragm function in a chronic model of cervical contusion spinal cord injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.575021. [PMID: 38260313 PMCID: PMC10802567 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.575021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
High spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to persistent and debilitating compromise in respiratory function. Cervical SCI not only causes the death of phrenic motor neurons (PhMNs) that innervate the diaphragm, but also damages descending respiratory pathways originating in the rostral ventral respiratory group (rVRG) located in the brainstem, resulting in denervation and consequent silencing of spared PhMNs located caudal to injury. It is imperative to determine whether interventions targeting rVRG axon growth and respiratory neural circuit reconnection are efficacious in chronic cervical contusion SCI, given that the vast majority of individuals are chronically-injured and most cases of SCI involve contusion-type damage to the cervical region. We therefore employed a clinically-relevant rat model of chronic cervical hemicontusion to test therapeutic manipulations aimed at reconstructing damaged rVRG-PhMN-diaphragm circuitry to achieve recovery of respiratory function. At a chronic time point post-injury, we systemically administered: an antagonist peptide directed against phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a central inhibitor of neuron-intrinsic axon growth potential; an antagonist peptide directed against receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ), another important negative regulator of axon growth capacity; or a combination of these two peptides. PTEN antagonist peptide (PAP4) promoted partial recovery of diaphragm motor activity out to nine months post-injury, while PTPσ peptide did not impact diaphragm function after cervical SCI. Furthermore, PAP4 promoted robust growth of descending bulbospinal rVRG axons caudal to the injury within the denervated portion of the PhMN pool, while PTPσ peptide did not affect rVRG axon growth at this location that is critical to control of diaphragmatic respiratory function. In conclusion, we find that, when PTEN inhibition is targeted at a chronic time point following cervical contusion that is most relevant to the SCI clinical population, our non-invasive PAP4 strategy can successfully promote significant regrowth of damaged respiratory neural circuitry and also partial recovery of diaphragm motor function. HIGHLIGHTS PTEN antagonist peptide promotes partial diaphragm function recovery in chronic cervical contusion SCI.PTPσ inhibitory peptide does not impact diaphragm function recovery in chronic cervical contusion SCI.PTEN antagonist peptide promotes growth of bulbospinal rVRG axons in chronic cervical contusion SCI.PTPσ peptide does not affect rVRG axon growth in chronic cervical contusion SCI.
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Chambel SS, Cruz CD. Axonal growth inhibitors and their receptors in spinal cord injury: from biology to clinical translation. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2573-2581. [PMID: 37449592 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal growth inhibitors are released during traumatic injuries to the adult mammalian central nervous system, including after spinal cord injury. These molecules accumulate at the injury site and form a highly inhibitory environment for axonal regeneration. Among these inhibitory molecules, myelin-associated inhibitors, including neurite outgrowth inhibitor A, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A are of particular importance. Due to their inhibitory nature, they represent exciting molecular targets to study axonal inhibition and regeneration after central injuries. These molecules are mainly produced by neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes within the scar and in its immediate vicinity. They exert their effects by binding to specific receptors, localized in the membranes of neurons. Receptors for these inhibitory cues include Nogo receptor 1, leucine-rich repeat, and Ig domain containing 1 and p75 neurotrophin receptor/tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 19 (that form a receptor complex that binds all myelin-associated inhibitors), and also paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A bind to Nogo receptor 1, Nogo receptor 3, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase σ and leucocyte common antigen related phosphatase, and neogenin, respectively. Once activated, these receptors initiate downstream signaling pathways, the most common amongst them being the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. These signaling cascades result in actin depolymerization, neurite outgrowth inhibition, and failure to regenerate after spinal cord injury. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments to overcome spinal cord injuries other than physical rehabilitation and management of the array of symptoms brought on by spinal cord injuries. However, several novel therapies aiming to modulate these inhibitory proteins and/or their receptors are under investigation in ongoing clinical trials. Investigation has also been demonstrating that combinatorial therapies of growth inhibitors with other therapies, such as growth factors or stem-cell therapies, produce stronger results and their potential application in the clinics opens new venues in spinal cord injury treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Sousa Chambel
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of Porto; Translational NeuroUrology, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde-i3S and IBMC, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Duarte Cruz
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of Porto; Translational NeuroUrology, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde-i3S and IBMC, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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13
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Chen LM, Wang F, Mishra A, Yang PF, Sengupta A, Reed JL, Gore JC. Longitudinal multiparametric MRI of traumatic spinal cord injury in animal models. Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 102:184-200. [PMID: 37343904 PMCID: PMC10528214 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2023.06.007] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) technology enables non-invasive and quantitative assessments of the structural, molecular, and functional characteristics of various neurological diseases. Despite the recognized importance of studying spinal cord pathology, mpMRI applications in spinal cord research have been somewhat limited, partly due to technical challenges associated with spine imaging. However, advances in imaging techniques and improved image quality now allow longitudinal investigations of a comprehensive range of spinal cord pathological features by exploiting different endogenous MRI contrasts. This review summarizes the use of mpMRI techniques including blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT), and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI in monitoring different aspects of spinal cord pathology. These aspects include cyst formation and axonal disruption, demyelination and remyelination, changes in the excitability of spinal grey matter and the integrity of intrinsic functional circuits, and non-specific molecular changes associated with secondary injury and neuroinflammation. These approaches are illustrated with reference to a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI). We highlight the benefits of using NHP SCI models to guide future studies of human spinal cord pathology, and demonstrate how mpMRI can capture distinctive features of spinal cord pathology that were previously inaccessible. Furthermore, the development of mechanism-based MRI biomarkers from mpMRI studies can provide clinically useful imaging indices for understanding the mechanisms by which injured spinal cords progress and repair. These biomarkers can assist in the diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluation of therapies for SCI patients, potentially leading to improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Feng Wang
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Arabinda Mishra
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anirban Sengupta
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jamie L Reed
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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14
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Jiang W, Zhang X, Yu S, Yan F, Chen J, Liu J, Dong C. Decellularized extracellular matrix in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2023; 368:114506. [PMID: 37597763 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114506] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Functional limitation caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) has the problem of significant clinical and economic burden. Damaged spinal axonal connections and an inhibitory environment severely hamper neuronal function. Regenerative biomaterials can fill the cavity and produce an optimal microenvironment at the site of SCI, inhibiting apoptosis, inflammation, and glial scar formation while promoting neurogenesis, axonal development, and angiogenesis. Decellularization aims to eliminate cells from the ultrastructure of tissues while keeping tissue-specific components that are similar to the structure of real tissues, making decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) a suitable scaffold for tissue engineering. dECM has good biocompatibility, it can be widely obtained from natural organs of different species, and can be co-cultured with cells for 3D printing to obtain the target scaffold. In this paper, we reviewed the pathophysiology of SCI, the characteristics of dECM and its preparation method, and the application of dECM in the treatment of SCI. Although dECM has shown its therapeutic effect at present, there are still many indicators that need to be taken into account, such as the difficulty in obtaining materials and standardized production mode for large-scale use, the effect of decellularization on the physical and chemical properties of dECM, and the study on the synergistic effect of dECM and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwei Jiang
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuanxuan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shumin Yu
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Fangsu Yan
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jiaxi Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chuanming Dong
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong, China; Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China.
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15
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Tian T, Zhang S, Yang M. Recent progress and challenges in the treatment of spinal cord injury. Protein Cell 2023; 14:635-652. [PMID: 36856750 PMCID: PMC10501188 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the structural and functional connectivity between the higher center and the spinal cord, resulting in severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction with a variety of complications. The pathophysiology of SCI is complicated and multifaceted, and thus individual treatments acting on a specific aspect or process are inadequate to elicit neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after SCI. Combinatory strategies targeting multiple aspects of SCI pathology have achieved greater beneficial effects than individual therapy alone. Although many problems and challenges remain, the encouraging outcomes that have been achieved in preclinical models offer a promising foothold for the development of novel clinical strategies to treat SCI. In this review, we characterize the mechanisms underlying axon regeneration of adult neurons and summarize recent advances in facilitating functional recovery following SCI at both the acute and chronic stages. In addition, we analyze the current status, remaining problems, and realistic challenges towards clinical translation. Finally, we consider the future of SCI treatment and provide insights into how to narrow the translational gap that currently exists between preclinical studies and clinical practice. Going forward, clinical trials should emphasize multidisciplinary conversation and cooperation to identify optimal combinatorial approaches to maximize therapeutic benefit in humans with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Tian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Sensen Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Maojun Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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16
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John U, Patro N, Patro IK. Astrogliosis and associated CSPG upregulation adversely affect dendritogenesis, spinogenesis and synaptic activity in the cerebellum of a double-hit rat model of protein malnutrition (PMN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced bacterial infection. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 131:102286. [PMID: 37169039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102286] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in growth, guidance and survival of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). The chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are a type of ECM proteins that are crucial for CNS homeostasis. The major goal of this study was to uncover the effects of astroglial activation and associated intensified expression of CSPGs on dendritogenesis, spinogenesis as well as on synaptic activity in cerebellum following protein malnutrition (PMN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced bacterial infection. Female Wistar albino rats (3 months old) were switched to control (20% protein) or low protein (LP, 8% protein) diet for 15 days followed by breeding. A set of pups born to control/LP mothers and maintained on respective diets throughout the experimental period constituted the control and LP groups, while a separate set of both control and LP group pups exposed to bacterial infection by a single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (0.3 mg/ kg body weight) on postnatal day-9 (P-9) constituted control+LPS and LP+LPS groups respectively. The consequences of astrogliosis induced CSPG upregulation on cerebellar cytoarchitecture and synaptic activity were studied using standard immunohistochemical and histological tools on P-21 and 6 months of age. The results revealed reactive astrogliosis and associated CSPG upregulation in a double-hit model of PMN and LPS induced bacterial infection resulted in disrupted dendritogenesis, reduced postsynaptic density protein (PSD-95) levels and a deleterious impact on normal spine growth. Such alterations frequently have the potential to cause synaptic dysregulation and inhibition of plasticity both during development as well as adulthood. At the light of our results, we can envision that upregulation of CSPGs in PMN and LPS co-challenged individuals might emerge as an important modulator of brain circuitry and a major causative factor for many neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmilla John
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India; School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India
| | - Nisha Patro
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India
| | - Ishan K Patro
- School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India; School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India.
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17
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Mu J, Hao P, Duan H, Zhao W, Wang Z, Yang Z, Li X. Non-human primate models of focal cortical ischemia for neuronal replacement therapy. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2023; 43:1456-1474. [PMID: 37254891 PMCID: PMC10414004 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231179544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence, stroke remains incurable due to the limited regeneration capacity in the central nervous system. Neuronal replacement strategies are highly diverse biomedical fields that attempt to replace lost neurons by utilizing exogenous stem cell transplants, biomaterials, and direct neuronal reprogramming. Although these approaches have achieved encouraging outcomes mostly in the rodent stroke model, further preclinical validation in non-human primates (NHP) is still needed prior to clinical trials. In this paper, we briefly review the recent progress of promising neuronal replacement therapy in NHP stroke studies. Moreover, we summarize the key characteristics of the NHP as highly valuable translational tools and discuss (1) NHP species and their advantages in terms of genetics, physiology, neuroanatomy, immunology, and behavior; (2) various methods for establishing NHP focal ischemic models to study the regenerative and plastic changes associated with motor functional recovery; and (3) a comprehensive analysis of experimentally and clinically accessible outcomes and a potential adaptive mechanism. Our review specifically aims to facilitate the selection of the appropriate NHP cortical ischemic models and efficient prognostic evaluation methods in preclinical stroke research design of neuronal replacement strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Mu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Duan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zijue Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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18
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Ellen O, Ye S, Nheu D, Dass M, Pagnin M, Ozturk E, Theotokis P, Grigoriadis N, Petratos S. The Heterogeneous Multiple Sclerosis Lesion: How Can We Assess and Modify a Degenerating Lesion? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11112. [PMID: 37446290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous disease of the central nervous system that is governed by neural tissue loss and dystrophy during its progressive phase, with complex reactive pathological cellular changes. The immune-mediated mechanisms that promulgate the demyelinating lesions during relapses of acute episodes are not characteristic of chronic lesions during progressive MS. This has limited our capacity to target the disease effectively as it evolves within the central nervous system white and gray matter, thereby leaving neurologists without effective options to manage individuals as they transition to a secondary progressive phase. The current review highlights the molecular and cellular sequelae that have been identified as cooperating with and/or contributing to neurodegeneration that characterizes individuals with progressive forms of MS. We emphasize the need for appropriate monitoring via known and novel molecular and imaging biomarkers that can accurately detect and predict progression for the purposes of newly designed clinical trials that can demonstrate the efficacy of neuroprotection and potentially neurorepair. To achieve neurorepair, we focus on the modifications required in the reactive cellular and extracellular milieu in order to enable endogenous cell growth as well as transplanted cells that can integrate and/or renew the degenerative MS plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Ellen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melborune, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sining Ye
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melborune, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Danica Nheu
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melborune, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Mary Dass
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melborune, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Maurice Pagnin
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melborune, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Ezgi Ozturk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melborune, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Stilponos Kiriakides Str. 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, Stilponos Kiriakides Str. 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melborune, VIC 3004, Australia
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Shibata T, Tashiro S, Nakamura M, Okano H, Nagoshi N. A Review of Treatment Methods Focusing on Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Transplantation for Chronic Spinal Cord Injury. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1235. [PMID: 37512047 PMCID: PMC10384869 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cell transplantation therapy using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (hiPSC-NS/PCs) has attracted attention as a regenerative therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI), and its efficacy in treating the subacute phase of SCI has been reported in numerous studies. However, few studies have focused on treatment in the chronic phase, which accounts for many patients, suggesting that there are factors that are difficult to overcome in the treatment of chronic SCI. The search for therapeutic strategies that focus on chronic SCI is fraught with challenges, and the combination of different therapies is thought to be the key to a solution. In addition, many issues remain to be addressed, including the investigation of therapeutic approaches for more severe injury models of chronic SCI and the acquisition of practical motor function. This review summarizes the current progress in regenerative therapy for SCI and discusses the prospects for regenerative medicine, particularly in animal models of chronic SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Shibata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Syoichi Tashiro
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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Qi HX, Reed JL, Liao CC, Kaas JH. Regressive changes in sizes of somatosensory cuneate nucleus after sensory loss in primates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2222076120. [PMID: 36877853 PMCID: PMC10242712 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2222076120] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the early stages of processing sensory information suffer transneuronal atrophy when deprived of their activating inputs. For over 40 y, members of our laboratory have studied the reorganization of the somatosensory cortex during and after recovering from different types of sensory loss. Here, we took advantage of the preserved histological material from these studies of the cortical effects of sensory loss to evaluate the histological consequences in the cuneate nucleus of the lower brainstem and the adjoining spinal cord. The neurons in the cuneate nucleus are activated by touch on the hand and arm, and relay this activation to the contralateral thalamus, and from the thalamus to the primary somatosensory cortex. Neurons deprived of activating inputs tend to shrink and sometimes die. We considered the effects of differences in species, type and extent of sensory loss, recovery time after injury, and age at the time of injury on the histology of the cuneate nucleus. The results indicate that all injuries that deprived part or all of the cuneate nucleus of sensory activation result in some atrophy of neurons as reflected by a decrease in nucleus size. The extent of the atrophy is greater with greater sensory loss and with longer recovery times. Based on supporting research, atrophy appears to involve a reduction in neuron size and neuropil, with little or no neuron loss. Thus, the potential exists for restoring the hand to cortex pathway with brain-machine interfaces, for bionic prosthetics, or biologically with hand replacement surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xin Qi
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37240
| | - Jamie L. Reed
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37240
| | - Chia-Chi Liao
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37240
| | - Jon H. Kaas
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37240
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Simple Complexity: Incorporating Bioinspired Delivery Machinery within Self-Assembled Peptide Biogels. Gels 2023; 9:gels9030199. [PMID: 36975648 PMCID: PMC10048788 DOI: 10.3390/gels9030199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioinspired self-assembly is a bottom-up strategy enabling biologically sophisticated nanostructured biogels that can mimic natural tissue. Self-assembling peptides (SAPs), carefully designed, form signal-rich supramolecular nanostructures that intertwine to form a hydrogel material that can be used for a range of cell and tissue engineering scaffolds. Using the tools of nature, they are a versatile framework for the supply and presentation of important biological factors. Recent developments have shown promise for many applications such as therapeutic gene, drug and cell delivery and yet are stable enough for large-scale tissue engineering. This is due to their excellent programmability—features can be incorporated for innate biocompatibility, biodegradability, synthetic feasibility, biological functionality and responsiveness to external stimuli. SAPs can be used independently or combined with other (macro)molecules to recapitulate surprisingly complex biological functions in a simple framework. It is easy to accomplish localized delivery, since they can be injected and can deliver targeted and sustained effects. In this review, we discuss the categories of SAPs, applications for gene and drug delivery, and their inherent design challenges. We highlight selected applications from the literature and make suggestions to advance the field with SAPs as a simple, yet smart delivery platform for emerging BioMedTech applications.
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22
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Ge X, Ye W, Zhu Y, Cui M, Zhou J, Xiao C, Jiang D, Tang P, Wang J, Wang Z, Ji C, Zhou X, Cao X, Liu W, Cai W. USP1/UAF1-Stabilized METTL3 Promotes Reactive Astrogliosis and Improves Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury through m 6A Modification of YAP1 mRNA. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1456-1474. [PMID: 36653190 PMCID: PMC10008067 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1209-22.2023] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is involved in diverse biological processes. However, its role in spinal cord injury (SCI) is poorly understood. The m6A level increases in injured spinal cord, and METTL3, which is the core subunit of methyltransferase complex, is upregulated in reactive astrocytes and further stabilized by the USP1/UAF1 complex after SCI. The USP1/UAF1 complex specifically binds to and subsequently removes K48-linked ubiquitination of the METTL3 protein to maintain its stability after SCI. Moreover, conditional knockout of astrocytic METTL3 in both sexes of mice significantly suppressed reactive astrogliosis after SCI, thus resulting in widespread infiltration of inflammatory cells, aggravated neuronal loss, hampered axonal regeneration, and impaired functional recovery. Mechanistically, the YAP1 transcript was identified as a potential target of METTL3 in astrocytes. METTL3 could selectively methylate the 3'-UTR region of the YAP1 transcript, which subsequently maintains its stability in an IGF2BP2-dependent manner. In vivo, YAP1 overexpression by adeno-associated virus injection remarkably contributed to reactive astrogliosis and partly reversed the detrimental effects of METTL3 knockout on functional recovery after SCI. Furthermore, we found that the methyltransferase activity of METTL3 plays an essential role in reactive astrogliosis and motor repair, whereas METTL3 mutant without methyltransferase function failed to promote functional recovery after SCI. Our study reveals the previously unreported role of METTL3-mediated m6A modification in SCI and might provide a potential therapy for SCI.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Spinal cord injury is a devastating trauma of the CNS involving motor and sensory impairments. However, epigenetic modification in spinal cord injury is still unclear. Here, we propose an m6A regulation effect of astrocytic METTL3 following spinal cord injury, and we further characterize its underlying mechanism, which might provide promising strategies for spinal cord injury treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Ge
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Wu Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yufeng Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Min Cui
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Jiawen Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chenyu Xiao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
| | - Dongdong Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006, China
| | - Pengyu Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Zhuanghui Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Chengyue Ji
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xuhui Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Xiaojian Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Weihua Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
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23
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Griffin JM, Hingorani Jai Prakash S, Bockemühl T, Benner JM, Schaffran B, Moreno-Manzano V, Büschges A, Bradke F. Rehabilitation enhances epothilone-induced locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad005. [PMID: 36744011 PMCID: PMC9893225 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule stabilization through epothilones is a promising preclinical therapy for functional recovery following spinal cord injury that stimulates axon regeneration, reduces growth-inhibitory molecule deposition and promotes functional improvements. Rehabilitation therapy is the only clinically validated approach to promote functional improvements following spinal cord injury. However, whether microtubule stabilization can augment the beneficial effects of rehabilitation therapy or act in concert with it to further promote repair remains unknown. Here, we investigated the pharmacokinetic, histological and functional efficacies of epothilone D, epothilone B and ixabepilone alone or in combination with rehabilitation following a moderate contusive spinal cord injury. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that ixabepilone only weakly crossed the blood-brain barrier and was subsequently excluded from further investigations. In contrast, epothilones B and D rapidly distributed to CNS compartments displaying similar profiles after either subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injections. Following injury and subcutaneous administration of epothilone B or D, rats were subjected to 7 weeks of sequential bipedal and quadrupedal training. For all outcome measures, epothilone B was efficacious compared with epothilone D. Specifically, epothilone B decreased fibrotic scaring which was associated with a retention of fibronectin localized to perivascular cells in sections distal to the lesion. This corresponded to a decreased number of cells present within the intralesional space, resulting in less axons within the lesion. Instead, epothilone B increased serotonergic fibre regeneration and vesicular glutamate transporter 1 expression caudal to the lesion, which was not affected by rehabilitation. Multiparametric behavioural analyses consisting of open-field locomotor scoring, horizontal ladder, catwalk gait analysis and hindlimb kinematics revealed that rehabilitation and epothilone B both improved several aspects of locomotion. Specifically, rehabilitation improved open-field locomotor and ladder scores, as well as improving the gait parameters of limb coupling, limb support, stride length and limb speed; epothilone B improved these same gait parameters but also hindlimb kinematic profiles. Functional improvements by epothilone B and rehabilitation acted complementarily on gait parameters leading to an enhanced recovery in the combination group. As a result, principal component analysis of gait showed the greatest improvement in the epothilone B plus rehabilitation group. Thus, these results support the combination of epothilone B with rehabilitation in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarred M Griffin
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Jarred Griffin The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Venusberg-Campus 1/99, Bonn 53127, Germany E-mail:
| | - Sonia Hingorani Jai Prakash
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia 46012, Spain
| | - Till Bockemühl
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Cologne 50674, Germany
| | - Jessica M Benner
- Laboratory for Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Barbara Schaffran
- Laboratory for Axonal Growth and Regeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn 53127, Germany
| | - Victoria Moreno-Manzano
- Neuronal and Tissue Regeneration Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe (CIPF), Valencia 46012, Spain
| | - Ansgar Büschges
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, Cologne 50674, Germany
| | - Frank Bradke
- Correspondence to: Frank Bradke The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Venusberg-Campus 1/99, Bonn 53127, Germany E-mail:
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24
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Zheng B, Tuszynski MH. Regulation of axonal regeneration after mammalian spinal cord injury. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:396-413. [PMID: 36604586 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00562-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
One hundred years ago, Ramón y Cajal, considered by many as the founder of modern neuroscience, stated that neurons of the adult central nervous system (CNS) are incapable of regenerating. Yet, recent years have seen a tremendous expansion of knowledge in the molecular control of axon regeneration after CNS injury. We now understand that regeneration in the adult CNS is limited by (1) a failure to form cellular or molecular substrates for axon attachment and elongation through the lesion site; (2) environmental factors, including inhibitors of axon growth associated with myelin and the extracellular matrix; (3) astrocyte responses, which can both limit and support axon growth; and (4) intraneuronal mechanisms controlling the establishment of an active cellular growth programme. We discuss these topics together with newly emerging hypotheses, including the surprising finding from transcriptomic analyses of the corticospinal system in mice that neurons revert to an embryonic state after spinal cord injury, which can be sustained to promote regeneration with neural stem cell transplantation. These gains in knowledge are steadily advancing efforts to develop effective treatment strategies for spinal cord injury in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binhai Zheng
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,VA San Diego Research Service, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Mark H Tuszynski
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,VA San Diego Research Service, San Diego, CA, USA.
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25
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Fisher KM, Garner JP, Darian-Smith C. Small sensory spinal lesions that affect hand function in monkeys greatly alter primary afferent and motor neuron connections in the cord. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:3039-3055. [PMID: 35973735 PMCID: PMC9561953 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Small sensory spinal injuries induce plasticity across the neuraxis, but little is understood about their effect on segmental connections or motor neuron (MN) function. Here, we begin to address this at two levels. First, we compared afferent input distributions from the skin and muscles of the digits with corresponding MN pools to determine their spatial relationship, in both the normal state and 4-6 months after a unilateral dorsal root/dorsal column lesion (DRL/DCL), affecting digits 1-3. Second, we looked at specific changes to MN inputs and membrane properties that likely impact functional recovery. Monkeys received a targeted unilateral DRL/DCL, and 4-6 months later, cholera toxin subunit B (CT-B) was injected bilaterally into either the distal pads of digits 1-3, or related intrinsic hand muscles, to label inputs to the cord, and corresponding MNs. In controls (unlesioned side), cutaneous and proprioceptive afferents from digits 1-3 showed different distribution patterns but similar rostrocaudal spread within the dorsal horn from C1 to T2. In contrast, MNs were distributed across just two segments (C7-8). Following the lesion, sensory inputs were significantly diminished across all 10 segments, though this did not alter MN distributions. Afferent and monoamine inputs, as well as KCC2 cotransporters, were also significantly altered on the cell membrane of CT-B labeled MNs postlesion. In contrast, inhibitory neurotransmission and perineuronal net integrity were not altered at this prechronic timepoint. Our findings indicate that even a small sensory injury can significantly impact sensory and motor spinal neurons and provide new insight into the complex process of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Fisher
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA94305-5342
| | - Joseph P. Garner
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA94305-5342
| | - Corinna Darian-Smith
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA94305-5342
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26
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Astrocyte-derived sEVs alleviate fibrosis and promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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27
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Anderson MA, Squair JW, Gautier M, Hutson TH, Kathe C, Barraud Q, Bloch J, Courtine G. Natural and targeted circuit reorganization after spinal cord injury. Nat Neurosci 2022; 25:1584-1596. [PMID: 36396975 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and the circuits in the spinal cord that regulate neurological functions. The consequences are permanent paralysis, loss of sensation and debilitating dysautonomia. However, the majority of circuits located above and below the injury remain anatomically intact, and these circuits can reorganize naturally to improve function. In addition, various neuromodulation therapies have tapped into these processes to further augment recovery. Emerging research is illuminating the requirements to reconstitute damaged circuits. Here, we summarize these natural and targeted reorganizations of circuits after a spinal cord injury. We also advocate for new concepts of reorganizing circuits informed by multi-omic single-cell atlases of recovery from injury. These atlases will uncover the molecular logic that governs the selection of 'recovery-organizing' neuronal subpopulations, and are poised to herald a new era in spinal cord medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Anderson
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jordan W Squair
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthieu Gautier
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas H Hutson
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Kathe
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Barraud
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyne Bloch
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Courtine
- NeuroX Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Defitech Center for Interventional Neurotherapies (NeuroRestore), EPFL/CHUV/UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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28
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Costa G, Ribeiro FF, Sebastião AM, Muir EM, Vaz SH. Bridging the gap of axonal regeneration in the central nervous system: A state of the art review on central axonal regeneration. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1003145. [PMID: 36440273 PMCID: PMC9682039 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1003145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) is an important field of research with relevance to all types of neuronal injuries, including neurodegenerative diseases. The glial scar is a result of the astrocyte response to CNS injury. It is made up of many components creating a complex environment in which astrocytes play various key roles. The glial scar is heterogeneous, diverse and its composition depends upon the injury type and location. The heterogeneity of the glial scar observed in different situations of CNS damage and the consequent implications for axon regeneration have not been reviewed in depth. The gap in this knowledge will be addressed in this review which will also focus on our current understanding of central axonal regeneration and the molecular mechanisms involved. The multifactorial context of CNS regeneration is discussed, and we review newly identified roles for components previously thought to solely play an inhibitory role in central regeneration: astrocytes and p75NTR and discuss their potential and relevance for deciding therapeutic interventions. The article ends with a comprehensive review of promising new therapeutic targets identified for axonal regeneration in CNS and a discussion of novel ways of looking at therapeutic interventions for several brain diseases and injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo Costa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa F. Ribeiro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elizabeth M. Muir
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra H. Vaz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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29
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John U, Patro N, Patro I. Perineuronal nets: Cruise from a honeycomb to the safety nets. Brain Res Bull 2022; 190:179-194. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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30
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Lewis NE, Tabarestani TQ, Cellini BR, Zhang N, Marrotte EJ, Wang H, Laskowitz DT, Abd-El-Barr MM, Faw TD. Effect of Acute Physical Interventions on Pathophysiology and Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Neurospine 2022; 19:671-686. [PMID: 36203293 PMCID: PMC9537860 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2244476.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical rehabilitation is essential for enhancing recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, aside from early surgical intervention and hemodynamic management, there are no proven interventions for promoting recovery in the acute phase. In general, early rehabilitation is considered beneficial, but optimal parameters and potential contraindications for implementing rehabilitation at very early time points are unclear. Moreover, clinical trials to date are limited to studies initiating rehabilitation 2 weeks after injury and later. To address these gaps, this article reviews the preclinical literature on physical interventions initiated within the first 8 days postinjury. Effects of early rehabilitation on molecular and structural nervous system changes, behavioral function, and body systems are considered. Most studies utilized treadmill or cycle training as the primary intervention. Treadmill training initiated within the first 3 days and terminated by 1 week after injury worsened autonomic function, inflammation, and locomotor outcomes, while swim training during this period increased microvascular dysfunction. In contrast, lower-intensity rehabilitation such as reach training, ladder training, or voluntary wheel or ball training showed benefits when implemented during the first 3 days. Rehabilitation initiated at 4 days postinjury was also associated with enhanced motor recovery. Cycling appears to have the greatest risk-benefit ratio; however, the effects of cycle training in the first 3 days were not investigated. Overall, research suggests that lower intensity or voluntary rehabilitation during the hyperacute phase is more appropriate until at least 4 days postinjury, at which point higher-intensity activity becomes safer and more beneficial for recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholle E. Lewis
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Brianna R. Cellini
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nina Zhang
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eric J. Marrotte
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Haichen Wang
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Timothy D. Faw
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,Corresponding Author Timothy D. Faw Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University, 311 Research Drive, Durham, NC 21170, USA
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31
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Sinopoulou E, Spejo AB, Roopnarine N, Burnside ER, Bartus K, De Winter F, McMahon SB, Bradbury EJ. Chronic muscle recordings reveal recovery of forelimb function in spinal injured female rats after cortical epidural stimulation combined with rehabilitation and chondroitinase ABC. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:2055-2076. [PMID: 35916483 PMCID: PMC9544922 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25111] [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: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cervical level spinal cord injury (SCI) can severely impact upper limb muscle function, which is typically assessed in the clinic using electromyography (EMG). Here, we established novel preclinical methodology for EMG assessments of muscle function after SCI in awake freely moving animals. Adult female rats were implanted with EMG recording electrodes in bicep muscles and received bilateral cervical (C7) contusion injuries. Forelimb muscle activity was assessed by recording maximum voluntary contractions during a grip strength task and cortical motor evoked potentials in the biceps. We demonstrate that longitudinal recordings of muscle activity in the same animal are feasible over a chronic post-injury time course and provide a sensitive method for revealing post-injury changes in muscle activity. This methodology was utilized to investigate recovery of muscle function after a novel combination therapy. Cervical contused animals received intraspinal injections of a neuroplasticity-promoting agent (lentiviral-chondroitinase ABC) plus 11 weeks of cortical epidural electrical stimulation (3 h daily, 5 days/week) and behavioral rehabilitation (15 min daily, 5 days/week). Longitudinal monitoring of voluntary and evoked muscle activity revealed significantly increased muscle activity and upper limb dexterity with the combination treatment, compared to a single treatment or no treatment. Retrograde mapping of motor neurons innervating the biceps showed a predominant distribution across spinal segments C5-C8, indicating that treatment effects were likely due to neuroplastic changes in a mixture of intact and injured motor neurons. Thus, longitudinal assessments of muscle function after SCI correlate with skilled reach and grasp performance and reveal functional benefits of a novel combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Sinopoulou
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Regeneration Group, The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, London, UK.,Department of Neuroscience, The Center for Neural Repair, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Aline Barroso Spejo
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Regeneration Group, The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, London, UK
| | - Naomi Roopnarine
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Regeneration Group, The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, London, UK
| | - Emily R Burnside
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Regeneration Group, The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, London, UK
| | - Katalin Bartus
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Regeneration Group, The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, London, UK
| | - Fred De Winter
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen B McMahon
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Regeneration Group, The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Bradbury
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, Regeneration Group, The Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, London, UK
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32
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Xia L, Qi J, Tang M, Liu J, Zhang D, Zhu Y, Hu B. Continual Deletion of Spinal Microglia Reforms Astrocyte Scar Favoring Axonal Regeneration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:881195. [PMID: 35833026 PMCID: PMC9271995 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.881195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte scar formation after spinal cord injury (SCI) efficiently limits the accurate damage but physically restricts the following axon regeneration. Lately, fine tuning scar formation is becoming a novel strategy to develop SCI treatment, yet how to leverage these opposite effects remains challenging. Here, utilizing an improved drug administration approach, we show that in a mouse model of spinal cord injury, continual deletion of microglia, especially upon scar formation, by pexidartinib decreases the amount of microglia-derived collagen I and reforms the astrocyte scar. The astrocytes become less compacted in the scar, which permits axon regeneration and extension. Although continual microglia deletion did not significantly improve the locomotive performance of the SCI mice, it did ameliorate their weight loss, possibly by improving their relevant health conditions. We thus identified a novel approach to regulate astrocyte scars for improved axon regeneration, which is indicative of the clinical treatment of SCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longkuo Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhuan Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Da Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yanbing Zhu
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanbing Zhu, ; Baoyang Hu,
| | - Baoyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Institute of Zoology (CAS), Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yanbing Zhu, ; Baoyang Hu,
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Fawcett JW, Kwok JCF. Proteoglycan Sulphation in the Function of the Mature Central Nervous System. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:895493. [PMID: 35712345 PMCID: PMC9195417 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.895493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chondroitin sulphate and heparan sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGS and HSPGs) are found throughout the central nervous system (CNS). CSPGs are ubiquitous in the diffuse extracellular matrix (ECM) between cells and are a major component of perineuronal nets (PNNs), the condensed ECM present around some neurons. HSPGs are more associated with the surface of neurons and glia, with synapses and in the PNNs. Both CSPGs and HSPGs consist of a protein core to which are attached repeating disaccharide chains modified by sulphation at various positions. The sequence of sulphation gives the chains a unique structure and local charge density. These sulphation codes govern the binding properties and biological effects of the proteoglycans. CSPGs are sulphated along their length, the main forms being 6- and 4-sulphated. In general, the chondroitin 4-sulphates are inhibitory to cell attachment and migration, while chondroitin 6-sulphates are more permissive. HSPGs tend to be sulphated in isolated motifs with un-sulphated regions in between. The sulphation patterns of HS motifs and of CS glycan chains govern their binding to the PTPsigma receptor and binding of many effector molecules to the proteoglycans, such as growth factors, morphogens, and molecules involved in neurodegenerative disease. Sulphation patterns change as a result of injury, inflammation and ageing. For CSPGs, attention has focussed on PNNs and their role in the control of plasticity and memory, and on the soluble CSPGs upregulated in glial scar tissue that can inhibit axon regeneration. HSPGs have key roles in development, regulating cell migration and axon growth. In the adult CNS, they have been associated with tau aggregation and amyloid-beta processing, synaptogenesis, growth factor signalling and as a component of the stem cell niche. These functions of CSPGs and HSPGs are strongly influenced by the pattern of sulphation of the glycan chains, the sulphation code. This review focuses on these sulphation patterns and their effects on the function of the mature CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W. Fawcett
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute for Experimental Medicine Czech Academy of Science (CAS), Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: James W. Fawcett,
| | - Jessica C. F. Kwok
- Centre for Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute for Experimental Medicine Czech Academy of Science (CAS), Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Siddiqui N, Oshima K, Hippensteel JA. Proteoglycans and Glycosaminoglycans in Central Nervous System Injury. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C46-C55. [PMID: 35613357 PMCID: PMC9273265 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00053.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The brain and spinal cord constitute the central nervous system (CNS), which when injured, can be exceedingly devastating. The mechanistic roles of proteoglycans (PGs) and their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains in such injuries have been extensively studied. CNS injury immediately alters endothelial and extracellular matrix (ECM) PGs and GAGs. Subsequently, these alterations contribute to acute injury, post-injury fibrosis, and post-injury repair. These effects are central to the pathophysiology of CNS injury. This review focuses on the importance of PGs and GAGs in multiple forms of injury including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke. We highlight the causes and consequences of degradation of the PG and GAG-enriched endothelial glycocalyx in early injury and discuss the pleiotropic roles of PGs in neuroinflammation. We subsequently evaluate the dualistic effects of PGs on recovery: both PG/GAG-mediated inhibition and facilitation of repair. We then report promising therapeutic strategies that may prove effective for repair of CNS injury including PG receptor inhibition, delivery of endogenous, pro-repair PGs and GAGs, and direct degradation of pathologic GAGs. Last, we discuss importance of two PG- and GAG-containing ECM structures (synapses and perineuronal nets) in CNS injury and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Siddiqui
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Kaori Oshima
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Joseph A Hippensteel
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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Sánchez-Ventura J, Lane MA, Udina E. The Role and Modulation of Spinal Perineuronal Nets in the Healthy and Injured Spinal Cord. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:893857. [PMID: 35669108 PMCID: PMC9163449 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.893857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rather than being a stable scaffold, perineuronal nets (PNNs) are a dynamic and specialized extracellular matrix involved in plasticity modulation. They have been extensively studied in the brain and associated with neuroprotection, ionic buffering, and neural maturation. However, their biological function in the spinal cord and the effects of disrupting spinal PNNs remain elusive. The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of spinal PNNs and their potential in pathological conditions such as traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). We also highlighted interventions that have been used to modulate the extracellular matrix after SCI, targeting the glial scar and spinal PNNs, in an effort to promote regeneration and stabilization of the spinal circuits, respectively. These concepts are discussed in the framework of developmental and neuroplastic changes in PNNs, drawing similarities between immature and denervated neurons after an SCI, which may provide a useful context for future SCI research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Sánchez-Ventura
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Michael A. Lane
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Esther Udina
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Spain
- *Correspondence: Esther Udina
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Feng Y, Li Y, Shen PP, Wang B. Gene-Modified Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: a Promising Better Alternative Therapy. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2662-2682. [PMID: 35587330 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy holds great promise for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), which can reverse neurodegeneration and promote tissue regeneration via its pluripotency and ability to secrete neurotrophic factors. Although various stem cell-based approaches have shown certain therapeutic effects when applied to the treatment of SCI, their clinical efficacies have been disappointing. Thus, it is an urgent need to further enhance the neurological benefits of stem cells through bioengineering strategies including genetic engineering. In this review, we summarize the progress of stem cell therapy for SCI and the prospect of genetically modified stem cells, focusing on the genome editing tools and functional molecules involved in SCI repair, trying to provide a deeper understanding of genetically modified stem cell therapy and more applicable clinical strategies for SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirui Feng
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Li
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping-Ping Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Cooke P, Janowitz H, Dougherty SE. Neuronal Redevelopment and the Regeneration of Neuromodulatory Axons in the Adult Mammalian Central Nervous System. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:872501. [PMID: 35530177 PMCID: PMC9074815 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.872501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One reason that many central nervous system injuries, including those arising from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke, have limited recovery of function is that neurons within the adult mammalian CNS lack the ability to regenerate their axons following trauma. This stands in contrast to neurons of the adult mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS). New evidence, provided by single-cell expression profiling, suggests that, following injury, both mammalian central and peripheral neurons can revert to an embryonic-like growth state which is permissive for axon regeneration. This “redevelopment” strategy could both facilitate a damage response necessary to isolate and repair the acute damage from injury and provide the intracellular machinery necessary for axon regrowth. Interestingly, serotonin neurons of the rostral group of raphe nuclei, which project their axons into the forebrain, display a robust ability to regenerate their axons unaided, counter to the widely held view that CNS axons cannot regenerate without experimental intervention after injury. Furthermore, initial evidence suggests that norepinephrine neurons within the locus coeruleus possess similar regenerative abilities. Several morphological characteristics of serotonin axon regeneration in adult mammals, observable using longitudinal in vivo imaging, are distinct from the known characteristics of unaided peripheral nerve regeneration, or of the regeneration seen in the spinal cord and optic nerve that occurs with experimental intervention. These results suggest that there is an alternative CNS program for axon regeneration that likely differs from that displayed by the PNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cooke
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haley Janowitz
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah E Dougherty
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Kosuri S, Borca CH, Mugnier H, Tamasi M, Patel RA, Perez I, Kumar S, Finkel Z, Schloss R, Cai L, Yarmush ML, Webb MA, Gormley AJ. Machine-Assisted Discovery of Chondroitinase ABC Complexes toward Sustained Neural Regeneration. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2102101. [PMID: 35112508 PMCID: PMC9119153 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202102101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Among the many molecules that contribute to glial scarring, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are known to be potent inhibitors of neuronal regeneration. Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), a bacterial lyase, degrades the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains of CSPGs and promotes tissue regeneration. However, ChABC is thermally unstable and loses all activity within a few hours at 37 °C under dilute conditions. To overcome this limitation, the discovery of a diverse set of tailor-made random copolymers that complex and stabilize ChABC at physiological temperature is reported. The copolymer designs, which are based on chain length and composition of the copolymers, are identified using an active machine learning paradigm, which involves iterative copolymer synthesis, testing for ChABC thermostability upon copolymer complexation, Gaussian process regression modeling, and Bayesian optimization. Copolymers are synthesized by automated PET-RAFT and thermostability of ChABC is assessed by retained enzyme activity (REA) after 24 h at 37 °C. Significant improvements in REA in three iterations of active learning are demonstrated while identifying exceptionally high-performing copolymers. Most remarkably, one designed copolymer promotes residual ChABC activity near 30%, even after one week and notably outperforms other common stabilization methods for ChABC. Together, these results highlight a promising pathway toward sustained tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Kosuri
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Carlos H. Borca
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Heloise Mugnier
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Matthew Tamasi
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Roshan A. Patel
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Isabel Perez
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Suneel Kumar
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Zachary Finkel
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Rene Schloss
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Li Cai
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Martin L. Yarmush
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
| | - Michael A. Webb
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Adam J. Gormley
- Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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Rocha DN, Carvalho ED, Relvas JB, Oliveira MJ, Pêgo AP. Mechanotransduction: Exploring New Therapeutic Avenues in Central Nervous System Pathology. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:861613. [PMID: 35573316 PMCID: PMC9096357 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.861613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are continuously exposed to physical forces and the central nervous system (CNS) is no exception. Cells dynamically adapt their behavior and remodel the surrounding environment in response to forces. The importance of mechanotransduction in the CNS is illustrated by exploring its role in CNS pathology development and progression. The crosstalk between the biochemical and biophysical components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are here described, considering the recent explosion of literature demonstrating the powerful influence of biophysical stimuli like density, rigidity and geometry of the ECM on cell behavior. This review aims at integrating mechanical properties into our understanding of the molecular basis of CNS disease. The mechanisms that mediate mechanotransduction events, like integrin, Rho/ROCK and matrix metalloproteinases signaling pathways are revised. Analysis of CNS pathologies in this context has revealed that a wide range of neurological diseases share as hallmarks alterations of the tissue mechanical properties. Therefore, it is our belief that the understanding of CNS mechanotransduction pathways may lead to the development of improved medical devices and diagnostic methods as well as new therapeutic targets and strategies for CNS repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Nogueira Rocha
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva Daniela Carvalho
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia (FEUP), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Bettencourt Relvas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Oliveira
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Pêgo
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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40
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Inositol Polyphosphate-5-Phosphatase K ( Inpp5k) Enhances Sprouting of Corticospinal Tract Axons after CNS Trauma. J Neurosci 2022; 42:2190-2204. [PMID: 35135857 PMCID: PMC8936595 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0897-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure of CNS neurons to mount a significant growth response after trauma contributes to chronic functional deficits after spinal cord injury. Activator and repressor screening of embryonic cortical neurons and retinal ganglion cells in vitro and transcriptional profiling of developing CNS neurons harvested in vivo have identified several candidates that stimulate robust axon growth in vitro and in vivo Building on these studies, we sought to identify novel axon growth activators induced in the complex adult CNS environment in vivo We transcriptionally profiled intact sprouting adult corticospinal neurons (CSNs) after contralateral pyramidotomy (PyX) in nogo receptor-1 knock-out mice and found that intact CSNs were enriched in genes in the 3-phosphoinositide degradation pathway, including six 5-phosphatases. We explored whether inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase K (Inpp5k) could enhance corticospinal tract (CST) axon growth in preclinical models of acute and chronic CNS trauma. Overexpression of Inpp5k in intact adult CSNs in male and female mice enhanced the sprouting of intact CST terminals after PyX and cortical stroke and sprouting of CST axons after acute and chronic severe thoracic spinal contusion. We show that Inpp5k stimulates axon growth in part by elevating the density of active cofilin in labile growth cones, thus stimulating actin polymerization and enhancing microtubule protrusion into distal filopodia. We identify Inpp5k as a novel CST growth activator capable of driving compensatory axon growth in multiple complex CNS injury environments and underscores the veracity of using in vivo transcriptional screening to identify the next generation of cell-autonomous factors capable of repairing the damaged CNS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurologic recovery is limited after spinal cord injury as CNS neurons are incapable of self-repair post-trauma. In vitro screening strategies exploit the intrinsically high growth capacity of embryonic CNS neurons to identify novel axon growth activators. While promising candidates have been shown to stimulate axon growth in vivo, concomitant functional recovery remains incomplete. We identified Inpp5k as a novel axon growth activator using transcriptional profiling of intact adult corticospinal tract (CST) neurons that had initiated a growth response after pyramidotomy in plasticity sensitized nogo receptor-1-null mice. Here, we show that Inpp5k overexpression can stimulate CST axon growth after pyramidotomy, stroke, and acute and chronic contusion injuries. These data support in vivo screening approaches to identify novel axon growth activators.
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Hsu DC, Chumpolkulwong K, Corley MJ, Hunsawong T, Inthawong D, Schuetz A, Imerbsin R, Silsorn D, Nadee P, Sopanaporn J, Phuang-Ngern Y, Klungthong C, Reed M, Fernandez S, Ndhlovu LC, Paul R, Lugo-Roman L, Michael NL, Modjarrad K, Vasan S. Neurocognitive impact of Zika virus infection in adult rhesus macaques. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:40. [PMID: 35130924 PMCID: PMC8822695 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02402-4] [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: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus that affects many regions of the world. Infection, in utero, causes microcephaly and later developmental and neurologic impairments. The impact of ZIKV infection on neurocognition in adults has not been well described. The objective of the study was to assess the neurocognitive impact of ZIKV infection in adult rhesus macaques. Methods Neurocognitive assessments were performed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) via a touch screen and modified Brinkman Board before and after subcutaneous ZIKV inoculation. Immune activation markers were measured in the blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) by multiplex assay and flow cytometry. Results All animals (N = 8) had detectable ZIKV RNA in plasma at day 1 post-inoculation (PI) that peaked at day 2 PI (median 5.9, IQR 5.6–6.2 log10 genome equivalents/mL). In all eight animals, ZIKV RNA became undetectable in plasma by day 14 PI, but persisted in lymphoid tissues. ZIKV RNA was not detected in the CSF supernatant at days 4, 8, 14 and 28 PI but was detected in the brain of 2 animals at days 8 and 28 PI. Elevations in markers of immune activation in the blood and CSF were accompanied by a reduction in accuracy and reaction speed on the CANTAB in the majority of animals. Conclusions The co-occurrence of systemic and CSF immune perturbations and neurocognitive impairment establishes this model as useful for studying the impact of neuroinflammation on neurobehavior in rhesus macaques, as it pertains to ZIKV infection and potentially other pathogens. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02402-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Hsu
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA. .,Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. .,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA.
| | | | - Michael J Corley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Taweewun Hunsawong
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Dutsadee Inthawong
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Alexandra Schuetz
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.,Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Rawiwan Imerbsin
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Decha Silsorn
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Panupat Nadee
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Jumpol Sopanaporn
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | | | | | - Matthew Reed
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Stefan Fernandez
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Lishomwa C Ndhlovu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA.,Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Robert Paul
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri, St. Louis, MO, 63143, USA
| | - Luis Lugo-Roman
- Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Nelson L Michael
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Kayvon Modjarrad
- Emerging Infectious Disease Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Sandhya Vasan
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA.,Emerging Infectious Disease Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
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Ma X, Wang X, Ma X, Zhang X, Gong X, Sun R, Wong SH, Chan MTV, Wu WKK. An update on the roles of circular RNAs in spinal cord injury. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2620-2628. [PMID: 35112318 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02721-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disabling condition for which therapeutic options are limited. Increasing number of microarray and next-generation sequencing studies have demonstrated that SCI coincides with altered expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the damaged tissue. Emerging functional evidence further pinpointed specific differentially expressed circRNAs (e.g., circ-HIPK3, cicRNA.7079, circRNA_01477, circRNA-2960, and circ_0001723) for their effects on cellular processes relevant to SCI repair and regeneration, including neuronal apoptosis, astrocyte activation, and neuroinflammation, via sponging SCI-related microRNAs. Although circRNAs and their target microRNAs appear to be good candidates for therapeutic exploitation in SCI, further investigation into the efficient delivery of these regulatory molecules in a cell-type specific manner is a pre-requisite for translating these basic discoveries into clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhen Ma
- Department Oncology of Qingdao Hospital Central, Central Qingdao Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xuesong Wang
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Xuexiao Ma
- Department Spinal of affiliated, Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiugong Zhang
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojin Gong
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ruifu Sun
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Sunny H Wong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Matthew T V Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Ka Kei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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43
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Gharooni AA, Kwon BK, Fehlings MG, Boerger TF, Rodrigues-Pinto R, Koljonen PA, Kurpad SN, Harrop JS, Aarabi B, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Wilson JR, Davies BM, Kotter MRN, Guest JD. Developing Novel Therapies for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 7]: Opportunities From Restorative Neurobiology. Global Spine J 2022; 12:109S-121S. [PMID: 35174725 PMCID: PMC8859698 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211052920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Narrative review. OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of contemporary therapies for the James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) question: 'Can novel therapies, including stem-cell, gene, pharmacological and neuroprotective therapies, be identified to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with DCM and slow down disease progression?' METHODS A review of the literature was conducted to outline the pathophysiology of DCM and present contemporary therapies that may hold therapeutic value in 3 broad categories of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and neuromodulation. RESULTS Chronic spinal cord compression leads to ischaemia, neuroinflammation, demyelination, and neuronal loss. Surgical intervention may halt progression and improve symptoms, though the majority do not make a full recovery leading to lifelong disability. Neuroprotective agents disrupt deleterious secondary injury pathways, and one agent, Riluzole, has undergone Phase-III investigation in DCM. Although it did not show efficacy on the primary outcome modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, it showed promising results in pain reduction. Regenerative approaches are in the early stage, with one agent, Ibudilast, currently in a phase-III investigation. Neuromodulation approaches aim to therapeutically alter the state of spinal cord excitation by electrical stimulation with a variety of approaches. Case studies using electrical neuromuscular and spinal cord stimulation have shown positive therapeutic utility. CONCLUSION There is limited research into interventions in the 3 broad areas of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and neuromodulation for DCM. Contemporary and novel therapies for DCM are now a top 10 priority, and whilst research in these areas is limited in DCM, it is hoped that this review will encourage research into this priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref-Ali Gharooni
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Brian K. Kwon
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy F. Boerger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
| | - Ricardo Rodrigues-Pinto
- Spinal Unit (UVM), Department of Orthopaedics, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto - Hospital de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paul Aarne Koljonen
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shekar N. Kurpad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
| | - James S. Harrop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jefferson R. Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin M. Davies
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - James D. Guest
- Department of Neurosurgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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44
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Behavioral recovery after a spinal deafferentation injury in monkeys does not correlate with extent of corticospinal sprouting. Behav Brain Res 2022; 416:113533. [PMID: 34453971 PMCID: PMC8492525 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A long held view in the spinal cord injury field is that corticospinal terminal sprouting is needed for new connections to form, that then mediate behavioral recovery. This makes sense, but tells us little about the relationship between corticospinal sprouting extent and recovery potential. The inference has been that more extensive axonal sprouting predicts greater recovery, though there is little evidence to support this. Here we addressed this by comparing behavioral data from monkeys that had received one of two established deafferentation spinal injury models in monkeys (Darian-Smith et al., 2014, Fisher et al., 2019, 2020). Both injuries cut similar afferent pools supplying the thumb, index and middle fingers of one hand but each resulted in a very different corticospinal tract (CST) sprouting response. Following a cervical dorsal root lesion, the somatosensory CST retracted significantly, while the motor CST stayed largely intact. In contrast, when a dorsal column lesion was combined with the DRL, somatosensory and motor CSTs sprouted dramatically within the cervical cord. How these two responses relate to the behavioral outcome was not clear. Here we analyzed the behavioral outcome for the two lesions, and provide a clear example that sprouting extent does not track with behavioral recovery.
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45
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Varadarajan SG, Hunyara JL, Hamilton NR, Kolodkin AL, Huberman AD. Central nervous system regeneration. Cell 2022; 185:77-94. [PMID: 34995518 PMCID: PMC10896592 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurons of the mammalian central nervous system fail to regenerate. Substantial progress has been made toward identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie regenerative failure and how altering those pathways can promote cell survival and/or axon regeneration. Here, we summarize those findings while comparing the regenerative process in the central versus the peripheral nervous system. We also highlight studies that advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying neural degeneration in response to injury, as many of these mechanisms represent primary targets for restoring functional neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John L Hunyara
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Natalie R Hamilton
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Alex L Kolodkin
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Andrew D Huberman
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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46
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Wu J, Zhu ZY, Fan ZW, Chen Y, Yang RY, Li Y. Downregulation of EphB2 by RNA interference attenuates glial/fibrotic scar formation and promotes axon growth. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:362-369. [PMID: 34269211 PMCID: PMC8463997 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.317988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid formation of a glial/fibrotic scar is one of the main factors hampering axon growth after spinal cord injury. The bidirectional EphB2/ephrin-B2 signaling of the fibroblast-astrocyte contact-dependent interaction is a trigger for glial/fibrotic scar formation. In the present study, a new in vitro model was produced by coculture of fibroblasts and astrocytes wounded by scratching to mimic glial/fibrotic scar-like structures using an improved slide system. After treatment with RNAi to downregulate EphB2, changes in glial/fibrotic scar formation and the growth of VSC4.1 motoneuron axons were examined. Following RNAi treatment, fibroblasts and astrocytes dispersed without forming a glial/fibrotic scar-like structure. Furthermore, the expression levels of neurocan, NG2 and collagen I in the coculture were reduced, and the growth of VSC4.1 motoneuron axons was enhanced. These findings suggest that suppression of EphB2 expression by RNAi attenuates the formation of a glial/fibrotic scar and promotes axon growth. This study was approved by the Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangsu Province, China (approval No. 2019-0506-002) on May 6, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Fan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ri-Yun Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
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47
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Zawadzka M, Kwaśniewska A, Miazga K, Sławińska U. Perspectives in the Cell-Based Therapies of Various Aspects of the Spinal Cord Injury-Associated Pathologies: Lessons from the Animal Models. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112995. [PMID: 34831217 PMCID: PMC8616284 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic injury of the spinal cord (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition often leading to severe dysfunctions, therefore an improvement in clinical treatment for SCI patients is urgently needed. The potential benefits of transplantation of various cell types into the injured spinal cord have been intensively investigated in preclinical SCI models and clinical trials. Despite the many challenges that are still ahead, cell transplantation alone or in combination with other factors, such as artificial matrices, seems to be the most promising perspective. Here, we reviewed recent advances in cell-based experimental strategies supporting or restoring the function of the injured spinal cord with a particular focus on the regenerative mechanisms that could define their clinical translation.
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48
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North R, Wurr R, Macon R, Mannion C, Hyde J, Torres-Espin A, Rosenzweig ES, Ferguson AR, Tuszynski MH, Beattie MS, Bresnahan JC, Joiner WM. Quantifying the kinematic features of dexterous finger movements in nonhuman primates with markerless tracking. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:6110-6115. [PMID: 34892511 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Research using nonhuman primate models for human disease frequently requires behavioral observational techniques to quantify functional outcomes. The ability to assess reaching and grasping patterns is of particular interest in clinical conditions that affect the motor system (e.g., spinal cord injury, SCI). Here we explored the use of DeepLabCut, an open-source deep learning toolset, in combination with a standard behavioral task (Brinkman Board) to quantify nonhuman primate performance in precision grasping. We examined one male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) in the task which involved retrieving rewards from variously-oriented shallow wells. Simultaneous recordings were made using GoPro Hero7 Black cameras (resolution 1920 x 1080 at 120 fps) from two different angles (from the side and top of the hand motion). The task/device design necessitates use of the right hand to complete the task. Two neural networks (corresponding to the top and side view cameras) were trained using 400 manually annotated images, tracking 19 unique landmarks each. Based on previous reports, this produced sufficient tracking (Side: trained pixel error of 2.15, test pixel error of 11.25; Top: trained pixel error of 2.06, test pixel error of 30.31) so that landmarks could be tracked on the remaining frames. Landmarks included in the tracking were the spatial location of the knuckles and the fingernails of each digit, and three different behavioral measures were quantified for assessment of hand movement (finger separation, middle digit extension and preshaping distance). Together, our preliminary results suggest that this markerless approach is a possible method to examine specific kinematic features of dexterous function.Clinical Relevance- The methodology presented below allows for the markerless tracking of kinematic features of dexterous finger movement by non-human primates. This method could allow for direct comparisons between human patients and non-human primate models of clinical conditions (e.g., spinal cord injury). This would provide objective quantitative metrics and crucial information for assessing movement impairments across populations and the potential translation of treatments, interventions and their outcomes.
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49
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Li C, Qin T, Zhao J, He R, Wen H, Duan C, Lu H, Cao Y, Hu J. Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosome-Educated Macrophages Promote Functional Healing After Spinal Cord Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:725573. [PMID: 34650405 PMCID: PMC8506031 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.725573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord injury is a site of severe central nervous system (CNS) trauma and disease without an effective treatment strategy. Neurovascular injuries occur spontaneously following spinal cord injury (SCI), leading to irreversible loss of motor and sensory function. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosome-educated macrophages (EEM) have great characteristics as therapeutic candidates for SCI treatment. It remains unknown whether EEM could promote functional healing after SCI. The effect of EEM on neurovascular regeneration after SCI needs to be further explored. We generated M2-like macrophages using exosomes isolated from BMSCs, which were known as EEM, and directly used these EEM for SCI treatment. We aimed to investigate the effects of EEM using a spinal cord contusive injury mouse model in vivo combined with an in vitro cell functional assay and compared the results to those of a normal spinal cord without any biological intervention, or PBS treatment or macrophage alone (MQ). Neurological function measurements and histochemical tests were performed to evaluate the effect of EEM on angiogenesis and axon regrowth. In the current study, we found that treatment with EEM effectively promoted the angiogenic activity of HUVECs and axonal growth in cortical neurons. Furthermore, exogenous administration of EEM directly into the injured spinal cord could promote neurological functional healing by modulating angiogenesis and axon growth. EEM treatment could provide a novel strategy to promote healing after SCI and various other neurovascular injury disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjun Li
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Tian Qin
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jinyun Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Rundong He
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Haicheng Wen
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyue Duan
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Hongbin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Department of Sports Medicine, Research Centre of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Cao
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jianzhong Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Organ Injury, Aging and Regenerative Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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50
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Li Z, Yu S, Hu X, Li Y, You X, Tian D, Cheng L, Zheng M, Jing J. Fibrotic Scar After Spinal Cord Injury: Crosstalk With Other Cells, Cellular Origin, Function, and Mechanism. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:720938. [PMID: 34539350 PMCID: PMC8441597 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.720938] [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: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The failure of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent loss of sensorimotor function. The persistent presence of scar tissue, mainly fibrotic scar and astrocytic scar, is a critical cause of axonal regeneration failure and is widely accepted as a treatment target for SCI. Astrocytic scar has been widely investigated, while fibrotic scar has received less attention. Here, we review recent advances in fibrotic scar formation and its crosstalk with other main cellular components in the injured core after SCI, as well as its cellular origin, function, and mechanism. This study is expected to provide an important basis and novel insights into fibrotic scar as a treatment target for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuisheng Yu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuyang Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yiteng Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xingyu You
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dasheng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meige Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juehua Jing
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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