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Denaro S, D’Aprile S, Alberghina C, Pavone AM, Torrisi F, Giallongo S, Longhitano L, Mannino G, Lo Furno D, Zappalà A, Giuffrida R, Tibullo D, Li Volti G, Vicario N, Parenti R. Neurotrophic and immunomodulatory effects of olfactory ensheathing cells as a strategy for neuroprotection and regeneration. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1098212. [PMID: 36601122 PMCID: PMC9806219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1098212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence sustains glial cells as critical players during central nervous system (CNS) development, homeostasis and disease. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a type of specialized glia cells sharing properties with both Schwann cells and astrocytes, are of critical importance in physiological condition during olfactory system development, supporting its regenerative potential throughout the adult life. These characteristics prompted research in the field of cell-based therapy to test OEC grafts in damaged CNS. Neuroprotective mechanisms exerted by OEC grafts are not limited to axonal regeneration and cell differentiation. Indeed, OEC immunomodulatory properties and their phagocytic potential encourage OEC-based approaches for tissue regeneration in case of CNS injury. Herein we reviewed recent advances on the immune role of OECs, their ability to modulate CNS microenvironment via bystander effects and the potential of OECs as a cell-based strategy for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Denaro
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona D’Aprile
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristiana Alberghina
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Pavone
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Torrisi
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Giallongo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lucia Longhitano
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuliana Mannino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Debora Lo Furno
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Zappalà
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Giuffrida
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy,*Correspondence: Nunzio Vicario, ; Rosalba Parenti,
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy,*Correspondence: Nunzio Vicario, ; Rosalba Parenti,
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Stem cell transplantation as a progressing treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 387:177-205. [PMID: 35001210 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03551-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are of the major causes of vision loss in developed countries. Despite the unclear pathophysiology, treatment methods have been investigated vastly in the past decades. This review article mainly discusses the advances in application of stem cell and progenitor transplantation for retinitis pigmentosa. Stem cell sources such as mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neural stem cells, retinal progenitor cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells are discussed separately in addition to a brief description of two approaches for treatment of early-stage RP, including gene therapy and nutritional therapy.
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3
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Cell transplantation to repair the injured spinal cord. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 166:79-158. [PMID: 36424097 PMCID: PMC10008620 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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4
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Miah M, Ferretti P, Choi D. Considering the Cellular Composition of Olfactory Ensheathing Cell Transplants for Spinal Cord Injury Repair: A Review of the Literature. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:781489. [PMID: 34867207 PMCID: PMC8635789 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.781489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are specialized glia cells of the olfactory system that support the continual regeneration of olfactory neurons throughout adulthood. Owing to their pro-regenerative properties, OECs have been transplanted in animal models of spinal cord injuries (SCI) and trialed in clinical studies on SCI patients. Although these studies have provided convincing evidence to support the continued development of OEC transplantation as a treatment option for the repair of SCI, discrepancies in the reported outcome has shown that OEC transplantation requires further improvement. Much of the variability in the reparative potential of OEC transplants is due to the variations in the cell composition of transplants between studies. As a result, the optimal cell preparation is currently a subject of debate. Here we review, the characterization as well as the effect of the cell composition of olfactory cell transplantation on therapeutic outcome in SCI. Firstly, we summarize and review the cell composition of olfactory cell preparations across the different species studied prior to transplantation. Since the purity of cells in olfactory transplants might affect the study outcome we also examine the effect of the proportions of OECs and the different cell types identified in the transplant on neuroregeneration. Finally, we consider the effect of the yield of cells on neuroregeneration by assessing the cell dose of transplants on therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahjabeen Miah
- Spinal Repair Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrizia Ferretti
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Choi
- Spinal Repair Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Ursavas S, Darici H, Karaoz E. Olfactory ensheathing cells: Unique glial cells promising for treatments of spinal cord injury. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1579-1597. [PMID: 33605466 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is generally the consequence of physical damage, which may result in devastating consequences such as paraplegia or paralysis. Some certain candidates for SCI repair are olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which are unique glial cells located in the transition region of the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system and perform neuron regeneration in the olfactory system throughout life. Culture studies have clarified many properties of OECs, but their mechanisms of actions are not fully understood. Successful results achieved in animal models showcased that SCI treatment with OEC transplants is suitable for clinical trials. However, clinical trials are limited by difficulties like cell acquisition for autograft transplantation. Despite the improvements in both animal and clinical studies so far, there is still insufficient information about the mechanism of actions, adverse effects, proper application methods, effective subtypes, and sources of cells. This review summarizes pre-clinical and clinical literature focused on the cellular characterization of both OECs in vitro and post-transplantation. We highlight the roles and effects of OECs on (a) the injury-induced glial milieu, (b) neuronal growth/regeneration, and (c) functional recovery after injury. Due to the shown benefits of OECs with in vitro and animal studies and a limited number of clinical trials, where safety and effectivity were shown, it is necessary to conduct more studies on OECs to obtain effective and feasible treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Ursavas
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Darici
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdal Karaoz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research & Practice, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research and Manufacturing, Liv Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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6
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Spitzbarth I, Moore SA, Stein VM, Levine JM, Kühl B, Gerhauser I, Baumgärtner W. Current Insights Into the Pathology of Canine Intervertebral Disc Extrusion-Induced Spinal Cord Injury. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:595796. [PMID: 33195632 PMCID: PMC7653192 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.595796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) in dogs is commonly attributed to intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). Over the last years substantial progress was made in the elucidation of factors contributing to the pathogenesis of this common canine disease. A detailed understanding of the underlying histopathological and molecular alterations in the lesioned spinal cord represents a prerequisite to translate knowledge on the time course of secondary injury processes into the clinical setting. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the underlying pathology of canine IVDE-related SCI. Pathological alterations in the spinal cord of dogs affected by IVDE-related SCI include early and persisting axonal damage and glial responses, dominated by phagocytic microglia/macrophages. These processes are paralleled by a pro-inflammatory microenvironment with dysregulation of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases within the spinal cord. These data mirror findings from a clinical and therapeutic perspective and can be used to identify biomarkers that are able to more precisely predict the clinical outcome. The pathogenesis of progressive myelomalacia, a devastating complication of SCI in dogs, is not understood in detail so far; however, a fulminant and exaggerating secondary injury response with massive reactive oxygen species formation seems to be involved in this unique neuropathological entity. There are substantial gaps in the knowledge of pathological changes in IVDE with respect to more advanced and chronic lesions and the potential involvement of demyelination. Moreover, the role of microglia/macrophage polarization in IVDE-related SCI still remains to be investigated. A close collaboration of clinical neurologists and veterinary pathologists will help to facilitate an integrative approach to a more detailed understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of canine IVDE and thus to identify therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Spitzbarth
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah A Moore
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Veronika M Stein
- Department for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan M Levine
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Bianca Kühl
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ingo Gerhauser
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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7
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Li Z, Yu Y, Kang J, Zheng Y, Xu J, Xu K, Hou K, Hou Y, Chi G. MicroRNA-124 Overexpression in Schwann Cells Promotes Schwann Cell-Astrocyte Integration and Inhibits Glial Scar Formation Ability. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:144. [PMID: 32714149 PMCID: PMC7347021 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schwann cell (SC) transplantation is a promising approach for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI); however, SC grafts show a low migratory capacity within the astrocytic environment, which inevitably hampers their therapeutic efficacy. The purpose of this study was to explore mechanisms to modify the characteristics of SCs and astrocytes (ASs), as well as to adjust the SC-AS interface to break the SC-AS boundary, thus improving the benefits of SCI treatment. We observed that the expression levels of miR-124 in SCs and ASs were significantly lower than those in the normal spinal cord. Furthermore, overexpressing miR-124 in SCs (miR-124-SCs) significantly inhibited gene and protein expression levels of SC-specific markers, such as GFAP and Krox20. The expression of neurotrophic factors, Bdnf and Nt-3, was up-regulated in miR-124-SCs without affecting their proliferation. Further, the boundary assay showed an increased number of miR-124-SCs that had actively migrated and entered the astrocytic region to intermingle with ASs, compared with normal SCs. In addition, although Krox20 protein expression was down-regulated in miR-124-SCs, the luciferase assay showed that Krox20 is not a direct target of miR-124. RNA sequencing of miR-124-SCs revealed seven upregulated and eleven downregulated genes involved in cell migration and motility. Based on KEGG pathway and KOG functional analyses, changes in these genes corresponded to the activation of Hippo, FoxO, and TGF-beta signaling pathways, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, and the cell cycle. Finally, co-culturing of miR-124-SCs and ASs in a transwell system revealed that GFAP and p-STAT3 protein expression in ASs was significantly reduced. Collectively, these results show that overexpression of miR-124 in SCs promotes SC-AS integration in vitro and may attenuate the capacity of ASs to form glial scars. Thus, this study provides novel insights into modifying SCs by overexpressing miR-124 to improve their therapeutic potential in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yifei Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Juanjuan Kang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yangyang Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinying Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kan Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kun Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Hou
- Department of Regeneration Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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8
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Garcia-Diaz B, Baron-Van Evercooren A. Schwann cells: Rescuers of central demyelination. Glia 2020; 68:1945-1956. [PMID: 32027054 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The presence of peripheral myelinating cells in the central nervous system (CNS) has gained the neurobiologist attention over the years. Despite the confirmed presence of Schwann cells in the CNS in pathological conditions, and the long list of their beneficial effects on central remyelination, the cues that impede or allow Schwann cells to successfully conquer and remyelinate central axons remain partially undiscovered. A better knowledge of these factors stands out as crucial to foresee a rational therapeutic approach for the use of Schwann cells in CNS repair. Here, we review the diverse origins of Schwann cells into the CNS, both peripheral and central, as well as the CNS components that inhibit Schwann survival and migration into the central parenchyma. Namely, we analyze the astrocyte- and the myelin-derived components that restrict Schwann cells into the CNS. Finally, we highlight the unveiled mode of invasion of these peripheral cells through the central environment, using blood vessels as scaffolds to pave their ways toward demyelinated lesions. In short, this review presents the so far uncovered knowledge of this complex CNS-peripheral nervous system (PNS) relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Garcia-Diaz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Neurociencias, IBIMA, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière-Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, INSERM, U1127, CNRS, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Paris, France
| | - Anne Baron-Van Evercooren
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière-Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, INSERM, U1127, CNRS, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris 06, Paris, France
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9
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Lin N, Dong XJ, Wang TY, He WJ, Wei J, Wu HY, Wang TH. Characteristics of olfactory ensheathing cells and microarray analysis in Tupaia belangeri (Wagner, 1841). Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:1819-1825. [PMID: 31257532 PMCID: PMC6625397 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Tree shrews are most closely related to the primates and so possess a number of advantages in experimental studies; they have been used as an animal model in bacterial and virus infection, cancer, endocrine system disease, and certain nervous system diseases. Their olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are able to release several cytokines to promote neuronal survival, regeneration and remyelination. The present study used western blot analysis to identify antibody specificity in protein extracts from whole tree shrew brains to identify the specificity of p75 nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) derived from rabbits (75 kDa). OECs were cultured and isolated, then stained and identified using the antibodies for p75NGFR. To investigate the capacity of OECs to express cytokines and growth factors, microarray technology was used, and the analysis revealed that OECs were able to express 9,821 genes. Of these genes, 44 genes were from the neurotrophic factor family, which may indicate their potential in transplantation in vivo. The present study considered the function of OECs as revealed by other studies, and may contribute to future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Lin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Juan Dong
- Department of Physical Education, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, Hainan 571100, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Yong Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Ji He
- Department of Ultrasonic Cardiogram, Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650228, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Ying Wu
- Department of Emergency, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, P.R. China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
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10
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Nazareth L, Chen M, Shelper T, Shah M, Tello Velasquez J, Walkden H, Beacham I, Batzloff M, Rayfield A, Todorovic M, Beagley KW, St John JA, Ekberg JAK. Novel insights into the glia limitans of the olfactory nervous system. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:1228-1244. [PMID: 30592044 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are often described as being present in both the peripheral and the central nervous systems (PNS and CNS). Furthermore, the olfactory nervous system glia limitans (the glial layer defining the PNS-CNS border) is considered unique as it consists of intermingling OECs and astrocytes. In contrast, the glia limitans of the rest of the nervous system consists solely of astrocytes which create a distinct barrier to Schwann cells (peripheral glia). The ability of OECs to interact with astrocytes is one reason why OECs are believed to be superior to Schwann cells for transplantation therapies to treat CNS injuries. We have used transgenic reporter mice in which glial cells express DsRed fluorescent protein to study the cellular constituents of the glia limitans. We found that the glia limitans layer of the olfactory nervous system is morphologically similar to elsewhere in the nervous system, with a similar low degree of intermingling between peripheral glia and astrocytes. We found that the astrocytic layer of the olfactory bulb is a distinct barrier to bacterial infection, suggesting that this layer constitutes the PNS-CNS immunological barrier. We also found that OECs interact with astrocytes in a similar fashion as Schwann cells in vitro. When cultured in three dimensions, however, there were subtle differences between OECs and Schwann cells in their interactions with astrocytes. We therefore suggest that glial fibrillary acidic protein-reactive astrocyte layer of the olfactory bulb constitutes the glia limitans of the olfactory nervous system and that OECs are primarily "PNS glia."
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Nazareth
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mo Chen
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Todd Shelper
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Megha Shah
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Johana Tello Velasquez
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Heidi Walkden
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ifor Beacham
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Rayfield
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Todorovic
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Institute for Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - James A St John
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenny A K Ekberg
- Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Institute of Health Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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11
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The Extracellular Environment of the CNS: Influence on Plasticity, Sprouting, and Axonal Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:2952386. [PMID: 29849554 PMCID: PMC5932463 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2952386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular environment of the central nervous system (CNS) becomes highly structured and organized as the nervous system matures. The extracellular space of the CNS along with its subdomains plays a crucial role in the function and stability of the CNS. In this review, we have focused on two components of the neuronal extracellular environment, which are important in regulating CNS plasticity including the extracellular matrix (ECM) and myelin. The ECM consists of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and tenascins, which are organized into unique structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs). PNNs associate with the neuronal cell body and proximal dendrites of predominantly parvalbumin-positive interneurons, forming a robust lattice-like structure. These developmentally regulated structures are maintained in the adult CNS and enhance synaptic stability. After injury, however, CSPGs and tenascins contribute to the structure of the inhibitory glial scar, which actively prevents axonal regeneration. Myelin sheaths and mature adult oligodendrocytes, despite their important role in signal conduction in mature CNS axons, contribute to the inhibitory environment existing after injury. As such, unlike the peripheral nervous system, the CNS is unable to revert to a “developmental state” to aid neuronal repair. Modulation of these external factors, however, has been shown to promote growth, regeneration, and functional plasticity after injury. This review will highlight some of the factors that contribute to or prevent plasticity, sprouting, and axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury.
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The Therapeutic Effects after Transplantation of Whole-Layer Olfactory Mucosa in Rats with Optic Nerve Injury. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6069756. [PMID: 29713644 PMCID: PMC5866852 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6069756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Existing evidence suggests the potential therapy of transplanting olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) either alone or in combination with neurotrophic factors or other cell types in optic nerve injury (ONI). However, clinical use of autologous OEC in the acute stages of ONI is not possible. On the other hand, acute application of heterologous transplantation may bring the issue of immune rejection. The olfactory mucosa (OM) with OEC in the lamina propria layer is located in the upper region of the nasal cavity and is easy to dissect under nasal endoscopy, which makes it a candidate as autograft material in acute stages of ONI. To investigate the potential of the OM on the protection of injured neurons and on the promotion of axonal regeneration, we developed a transplantation of syngenic OM in rats with ONI model. Methods After the right optic nerve was crushed in Lewis rats, pieces of syngenic whole-layer OM were transplanted into the lesion. Rats undergoing phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injection were used as negative controls (NC). The authors evaluated the regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and axons for 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after transplantation. Obtained retinas and optic nerves were analyzed histologically. Results Transplantations of OM significantly promoted the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and axonal growth of RGCs compared with PBS alone. Moreover, OM group was associated with higher expression of GAP-43 in comparison with the PBS group. In addition to the potential effects on RGCs, transplantations of OM significantly decreased the expression of GFAP in the retinas, suggesting inhibiting astrocyte activation. Conclusions Transplantation of whole-layer OM in rats contributes to the neuronal survival and axon regeneration after ONI.
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Gómez RM, Sánchez MY, Portela-Lomba M, Ghotme K, Barreto GE, Sierra J, Moreno-Flores MT. Cell therapy for spinal cord injury with olfactory ensheathing glia cells (OECs). Glia 2018; 66:1267-1301. [PMID: 29330870 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The prospects of achieving regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS) have changed, as most recent findings indicate that several species, including humans, can produce neurons in adulthood. Studies targeting this property may be considered as potential therapeutic strategies to respond to injury or the effects of demyelinating diseases in the CNS. While CNS trauma may interrupt the axonal tracts that connect neurons with their targets, some neurons remain alive, as seen in optic nerve and spinal cord (SC) injuries (SCIs). The devastating consequences of SCIs are due to the immediate and significant disruption of the ascending and descending spinal pathways, which result in varying degrees of motor and sensory impairment. Recent therapeutic studies for SCI have focused on cell transplantation in animal models, using cells capable of inducing axon regeneration like Schwann cells (SchCs), astrocytes, genetically modified fibroblasts and olfactory ensheathing glia cells (OECs). Nevertheless, and despite the improvements in such cell-based therapeutic strategies, there is still little information regarding the mechanisms underlying the success of transplantation and regarding any secondary effects. Therefore, further studies are needed to clarify these issues. In this review, we highlight the properties of OECs that make them suitable to achieve neuroplasticity/neuroregeneration in SCI. OECs can interact with the glial scar, stimulate angiogenesis, axon outgrowth and remyelination, improving functional outcomes following lesion. Furthermore, we present evidence of the utility of cell therapy with OECs to treat SCI, both from animal models and clinical studies performed on SCI patients, providing promising results for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Gómez
- Fundación de Neuroregeneración en Colombia, Grupo de investigación NeuroRec, Bogota D.C, Colombia
| | - Magdy Y Sánchez
- Fundación de Neuroregeneración en Colombia, Grupo de investigación NeuroRec, Bogota D.C, Colombia.,Maestría en Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota D.C, Colombia
| | - Maria Portela-Lomba
- Facultad de CC Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kemel Ghotme
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la Sabana, Chía, Colombia
| | - George E Barreto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota D.C, Colombia.,Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javier Sierra
- Facultad de CC Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Plaza N, Simón D, Sierra J, Moreno-Flores MT. Transduction of an immortalized olfactory ensheathing glia cell line with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene: Evaluation of its neuroregenerative capacity as a proof of concept. Neurosci Lett 2016; 612:25-31. [PMID: 26655478 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory ensheathing glia (OEG) cells are known to foster axonal regeneration of central nervous system (CNS) neurons. Several lines of reversibly immortalized human OEG (ihOEG) have been previously established that enabled to develop models for their validation in vitro and in vivo. In this work, a constitutively GFP-expressing ihOEG cell line was obtained, and named Ts14-GFP. Ts14-GFP neuroregenerative ability was similar to that found for the parental line Ts14 and it can be assayed using in vivo transplantation experimental paradigms, after spinal cord or optic nerve damage. Additionally, we have engineered a low-regenerative ihOEG line, hTL2, using lentiviral transduction of the large T antigen from SV40 virus, denominated from now on Ts12. Ts12 can be used as a low regeneration control in these experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Plaza
- Neuroregeneration Group, Biotechnology Department, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda, Km. 1.800, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - D Simón
- Neuroregeneration Group, Biotechnology Department, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda, Km. 1.800, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Sierra
- Neuroregeneration Group, Biotechnology Department, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda, Km. 1.800, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
| | - M T Moreno-Flores
- Neuroregeneration Group, Biotechnology Department, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Ctra. Pozuelo-Majadahonda, Km. 1.800, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Zhang J, Chen H, Duan Z, Chen K, Liu Z, Zhang L, Yao D, Li B. The Effects of Co-transplantation of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and Schwann Cells on Local Inflammation Environment in the Contused Spinal Cord of Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:943-953. [PMID: 26790672 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9709-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory response following spinal cord injury (SCI) is important in regulation of the repair process. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and Schwann cells (SCs) are important donor cells for repairing SCI in different animal models. However, synergistic or complementary effects of co-transplantation of both cells for this purpose have not been extensively investigated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of co-transplantation of OECs and SCs on expression of pro- or anti-inflammatory factor and polarization of macrophages in the injured spinal cord of rats. Mixed cell suspensions containing OECs and SCs were transplanted into the injured site at 7 days after contusion at the vertebral T10 level. Compared with the DMEM, SC, or OEC group, the co-transplantation group had a more extensive distribution of the grafted cells and significantly reduced number of astrocytes, microglia/macrophage infiltration, and expression of chemokines (CCL2 and CCL3) at the injured site. The co-transplantation group also significantly increased arginase+/CD206+ macrophages (IL-4) and decreased iNOS+/CD16/32+ macrophages (IFN-γ), which was followed by higher IL-10 and IL-13 and lower IL-6 and TNF-α in their expression levels, a smaller cystic cavity area, and improved motor functions. These results indicate that OEC and SC co-transplantation could promote the shift of the macrophage phenotype from M(IFN-γ) to M(IL-4), reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in the injured site, and regulate inflammatory factors and chemokine expression, which provide a better immune environment for SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Daping, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Huijun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Daping, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zhaoxia Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Daping, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Kuijun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Daping, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Daping, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Daping, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Dongdong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Daping, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Bingcang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Daping, Chongqing, 400042, China.
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16
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Vadivelu RK, Ooi CH, Yao RQ, Tello Velasquez J, Pastrana E, Diaz-Nido J, Lim F, Ekberg JAK, Nguyen NT, St John JA. Generation of three-dimensional multiple spheroid model of olfactory ensheathing cells using floating liquid marbles. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15083. [PMID: 26462469 PMCID: PMC4604460 DOI: 10.1038/srep15083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel protocol for three-dimensional culturing of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), which can be used to understand how OECs interact with other cells in three dimensions. Transplantation of OECs is being trialled for repair of the paralysed spinal cord, with promising but variable results and thus the therapy needs improving. To date, studies of OEC behaviour in a multicellular environment have been hampered by the lack of suitable three-dimensional cell culture models. Here, we exploit the floating liquid marble, a liquid droplet coated with hydrophobic powder and placed on a liquid bath. The presence of the liquid bath increases the humidity and minimises the effect of evaporation. Floating liquid marbles allow the OECs to freely associate and interact to produce OEC spheroids with uniform shapes and sizes. In contrast, a sessile liquid marble on a solid surface suffers from evaporation and the cells aggregate with irregular shapes. We used floating liquid marbles to co-culture OECs with Schwann cells and astrocytes which formed natural structures without the confines of gels or bounding layers. This protocol can be used to determine how OECs and other cell types associate and interact while forming complex cell structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja K Vadivelu
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Chin H Ooi
- QLD Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, 4111, Australia
| | - Rebecca-Qing Yao
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Johana Tello Velasquez
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | | | - Javier Diaz-Nido
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa &CIBERER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Filip Lim
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jenny A K Ekberg
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4000, QLD, Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- QLD Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, 4111, Australia
| | - James A St John
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
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Siebert JR, Eade AM, Osterhout DJ. Biomaterial Approaches to Enhancing Neurorestoration after Spinal Cord Injury: Strategies for Overcoming Inherent Biological Obstacles. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:752572. [PMID: 26491685 PMCID: PMC4600545 DOI: 10.1155/2015/752572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
While advances in technology and medicine have improved both longevity and quality of life in patients living with a spinal cord injury, restoration of full motor function is not often achieved. This is due to the failure of repair and regeneration of neuronal connections in the spinal cord after injury. In this review, the complicated nature of spinal cord injury is described, noting the numerous cellular and molecular events that occur in the central nervous system following a traumatic lesion. In short, postinjury tissue changes create a complex and dynamic environment that is highly inhibitory to the process of neural regeneration. Strategies for repair are outlined with a particular focus on the important role of biomaterials in designing a therapeutic treatment that can overcome this inhibitory environment. The importance of considering the inherent biological response of the central nervous system to both injury and subsequent therapeutic interventions is highlighted as a key consideration for all attempts at improving functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Siebert
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA
| | - Amber M. Eade
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill, Greensburg, PA 15601, USA
| | - Donna J. Osterhout
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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18
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Chen L, Huang H, Xi H, Zhang F, Liu Y, Chen D, Xiao J. A prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial using a combination of olfactory ensheathing cells and Schwann cells for the treatment of chronic complete spinal cord injuries. Cell Transplant 2014; 23 Suppl 1:S35-44. [PMID: 25333925 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x685014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this prospective randomized double-blind clinical study is to examine the benefits of using olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) combined with or without Schwann cells (SCs) in treating chronic complete spinal cord injuries (SCIs). This would offer patients a better alternative for neurological functional recovery. According to the initial design, 28 eligible participants with cervical chronic complete SCI were recruited and randomly allocated into four groups of seven participants each. The neurological assessments were to be performed according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) Functional Rating Scales, in combination with electrophysiological tests, for example, electromyography (EMG) and paraspinal somatosensory evoked potentials (PSSEPs). Here we have summarized the data from seven patients; three patients received an OEC intraspinal transplantation, one underwent SC implantation, and one received a combination of OECs and SCs. The remaining two patients were used as controls. The scores were evaluated independently by at least two neurologists in a blinded fashion for comparing the neurological functional changes during pre- and post-cell transplantation (6-month follow-up). All patients who received OECs, SCs alone, and a combination of them showed functional improvement. Mild fever occurred in one of the patients with OEC transplant that subsided after symptomatic treatments. All treated patients except one showed improvement in the electrophysiological tests. The functional improvement rate comprises 5/5 (100%) in the treated group, but 0/2 (0%) in the control group (p = 0.008). These preliminary findings show that transplanting OECs, SCs, or a combination of them is well tolerated and that they have beneficial effects in patients. Thus, further studies in larger patient cohorts are warranted to assess the benefits and risks of these intervention strategies. This manuscript is published as part of the IANR special issue of Cell Transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Center of Neurorestoratology, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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19
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Kegler K, Imbschweiler I, Ulrich R, Kovermann P, Fahlke C, Deschl U, Kalkuhl A, Baumgärnter W, Wewetzer K. CNS Schwann cells display oligodendrocyte precursor-like potassium channel activation and antigenic expression in vitro. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 121:569-81. [PMID: 24487976 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) injury triggers production of myelinating Schwann cells from endogenous oligodendrocyte precursors (OLPs). These CNS Schwann cells may be attractive candidates for novel therapeutic strategies aiming to promote endogenous CNS repair. However, CNS Schwann cells have been so far mainly characterized in situ regarding morphology and marker expression, and it has remained enigmatic whether they display functional properties distinct from peripheral nervous system (PNS) Schwann cells. Potassium channels (K+) have been implicated in progenitor and glial cell proliferation after injury and may, therefore, represent a suitable pharmacological target. In the present study, we focused on the function and expression of voltage-gated K+ channels Kv(1-12) and accessory β-subunits in purified adult canine CNS and PNS Schwann cell cultures using electrophysiology and microarray analysis and characterized their antigenic phenotype. We show here that K+ channels differed significantly in both cell types. While CNS Schwann cells displayed prominent K D-mediated K+ currents, PNS Schwann cells elicited K(D-) and K(A-type) K+ currents. Inhibition of K+ currents by TEA and Ba2+ was more effective in CNS Schwann cells. These functional differences were not paralleled by differential mRNA expression of Kv(1-12) and accessory β-subunits. However, O4/A2B5 and GFAP expressions were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in CNS than in PNS Schwann cells. Taken together, this is the first evidence that CNS Schwann cells display specific properties not shared by their peripheral counterpart. Both Kv currents and increased O4/A2B5 expression were reminiscent of OLPs suggesting that CNS Schwann cells retain OLP features during maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel Kegler
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
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20
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Schwann cells but not olfactory ensheathing cells inhibit CNS myelination via the secretion of connective tissue growth factor. J Neurosci 2014; 33:18686-97. [PMID: 24259589 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3233-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation is a promising strategy to promote CNS repair and has been studied for several decades with a focus on glial cells. Promising candidates include Schwann cells (SCs) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). Both cell types are thought to be neural crest derived and share many properties in common, although OECs appear to be a better candidate for transplantation by evoking less astrogliosis. Using CNS mixed myelinating rat cultures plated on to a monolayer of astrocytes, we demonstrated that SCs, but not OECs, secrete a heat labile factor(s) that inhibits oligodendrocyte myelination. Comparative qRT-PCR and ELISA showed that SCs expressed higher levels of mRNA and protein for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) than OECs. Anti-CTGF reversed the SCM-mediated effects on myelination. Both SCM and CTGF inhibited the differentiation of purified rat oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Furthermore, pretreatment of astrocyte monolayers with SCM inhibited CNS myelination and led to transcriptional changes in the astrocyte, corresponding to upregulation of bone morphogenic protein 4 mRNA and CTGF mRNA (inhibitors of OPC differentiation) and the downregulation of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA (promoter of OPC differentiation). CTGF pretreatment of astrocytes increased their expression of CTGF, suggesting that this inhibitory factor can be positively regulated in astrocytes. These data provide evidence for the advantages of using OECs, and not mature SCs, for transplant-mediated repair and provide more evidence that they are a distinct and unique glial cell type.
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21
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Ekberg JAK, St John JA. Crucial roles for olfactory ensheathing cells and olfactory mucosal cells in the repair of damaged neural tracts. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 297:121-8. [PMID: 24293406 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory ensheathing cells, the glial cells of the olfactory nervous system, exhibit unique growth-promoting and migratory properties that make them interesting candidates for cell therapies targeting neuronal injuries such as spinal cord injury. Transplantation of olfactory cells is feasible and safe in humans; however, functional outcomes are highly variable with some studies showing dramatic improvements and some no improvements at all. We propose that the reason for this is that the identity and purity of the cells is different in each individual study. We have shown that olfactory ensheathing cells are not a uniform cell population and that individual subpopulations of OECs are present in different regions of the olfactory nervous system, with strikingly different behaviors. Furthermore, the presence of fibroblasts and other cell types in the transplant can dramatically alter the behavior of the transplanted glial cells. Thus, a thorough characterization of the differences between olfactory ensheathing cell subpopulations and how the behavior of these cells is affected by the presence of other cell types is highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A K Ekberg
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, 4111, Queensland, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4000, Queensland, Australia
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22
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Lankford KL, Brown RJ, Sasaki M, Kocsis JD. Olfactory ensheathing cells, but not Schwann cells, proliferate and migrate extensively within moderately X-irradiated juvenile rat brain. Glia 2013; 62:52-63. [PMID: 24166823 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) and Schwann cells (SCs) share many characteristics, including the ability to promote neuronal repair when transplanted directly into spinal cord lesions, but poor survival and migration when transplanted into intact adult spinal cord. Interestingly, transplanted OECs, but not SCs, migrate extensively within the X-irradiated (40 Gy) adult rat spinal cord, suggesting distinct responses to environmental cues [Lankford et al., (2008) GLIA 56:1664-1678]. In this study, GFP-expressing OECs and SCs were transplanted into juvenile rat brains (hippocampus) subjected to a moderate radiation dose (16 Gy). As in the adult spinal cord, OECs, but not SCs, migrated extensively within the irradiated juvenile rat brain. Unbiased stereology revealed that the number of OECs observed within irradiated rat brains three weeks after transplantation was as much as 20 times greater than the number of cells transplanted, and the cells distributed extensively within the brain. In conjunction with the OEC dispersion, the number of activated microglia in OEC-transplanted irradiated brains was reduced. Unlike in the intact adult spinal cord, both OECs and SCs showed some, but limited, migration within nonirradiated rat brains, suggesting that the developing brain may be a more permissive environment for cell migration than the adult CNS. These results show that OECs display unique migratory, proliferative, and microglia interaction properties as compared with SCs when transplanted into the moderately X-irradiated brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Lankford
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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23
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Toft A, Tome M, Barnett SC, Riddell JS. A comparative study of glial and non-neural cell properties for transplant-mediated repair of the injured spinal cord. Glia 2013; 61:513-28. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.22452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Sun T, Ye C, Zhang Z, Wu J, Huang H. Cotransplantation of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and Schwann Cells Combined with Treadmill Training Promotes Functional Recovery in Rats with Contused Spinal Cords. Cell Transplant 2013; 22 Suppl 1:S27-38. [PMID: 24044361 DOI: 10.3727/096368913x672118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the ability of cotransplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) combined with treadmill training in facilitating neuronal plasticity and promoting hindlimb function recovery of subacute moderate thoracic (T10) spinal cord contusion in rats. Two weeks postinjury, SCs were injected directly into the lesion, while OECs were injected into the adjacent tissues. The treadmill training with the rats began postinjury on day 7, with each session lasting 20 ± 10 min per day, 5 days per week, for 10 weeks. At the 11th week postinjury, OECs were found migrating longitudinally and laterally from the injection site to the injury site through the gray and white matter, while some traveled along the central canal or pia. The SCs remained densely packed and concentrated at the transplant site. The transplanted SCs supported ingrowth of numerous, densely populated neurofilament-positive (NF+), MBP+ axons. The OECs promoted elongation of moderate NF+, GAP-43+ axons and a few MBP+ axons in parallel with OEC processes. The GFAP immunoreactivity in the spared tissue surrounding the graft of SCs and OECs at the lesion site was less intense than that in the DMEM group. Treadmill training had no effect on GFAP immunoreactivity. Treadmill training increased the number of TH-immunoreactive neurons in the gray matter of L2 spinal cord. Moreover, cotransplantation of OECs and SCs significantly increased the BBB score during 5–8 weeks postinjury alongside treadmill training between 5 and 11 weeks. Cotransplantation of OECs and SCs combined with treadmill training resulted in the highest BBB score at 4 and 11 weeks. The study details the differential mechanisms of neuronal plasticity: ( 1 ) axon growth and remyelination induced by cotransplantation of OECs and SCs and ( 2 ) neuron plasticity below the lesion enhanced by treadmill training. The synergistic effects of the combined strategy enhance functional recovery. This manuscript is published as part of the International Association of Neurorestoratology (IANR) supplement issue of Cell Transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiansheng Sun
- Orthopaedic Department, The Beijing Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoqun Ye
- Orthopaedic Department, The Beijing Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Zhang
- Orthopaedic Department, The Beijing Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Orthopaedic Department, The Beijing Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyun Huang
- Beijing Hongtianji Neuroscience Academy, Beijing, China
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25
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Bock P, Spitzbarth I, Haist V, Stein VM, Tipold A, Puff C, Beineke A, Baumgärtner W. Spatio-temporal development of axonopathy in canine intervertebral disc disease as a translational large animal model for nonexperimental spinal cord injury. Brain Pathol 2012; 23:82-99. [PMID: 22805224 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2012.00617.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a devastating central nervous system disease that still lacks sufficient therapies. Here, dogs are increasingly recognized as a preclinical animal model for the development of future therapies. The aim of this study was a detailed characterization of axonopathy in canine intervertebral disc disease, which produces a mixed contusive and compressive injury and functions as a spontaneous translational animal model for human SCI. The results revealed an early occurrence of ultrastructurally distinct axonal swelling. Immunohistochemically, enhanced axonal expression of β-amyloid precursor protein, non-phosphorylated neurofilament (n-NF) and growth-associated protein-43 was detected in the epicenter during acute canine SCI. Indicative of a progressive axonopathy, these changes showed a cranial and caudally accentuated spatial progression in the subacute disease phase. In canine spinal cord slice cultures, immunoreactivity of axons was confined to n-NF. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction of naturally traumatized tissue and slice cultures revealed a temporally distinct dysregulation of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 with a dominating expression of the latter. Contrasting to early axonopathy, diminished myelin basic protein immunoreactivity and phagocytosis were delayed. The results present a basis for assessing new therapies in the canine animal model for translational research that might allow partial extrapolation to human SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Bock
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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26
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Ruff CA, Wilcox JT, Fehlings MG. Cell-based transplantation strategies to promote plasticity following spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2012; 235:78-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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27
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Ekberg JAK, Amaya D, Mackay-Sim A, St John JA. The migration of olfactory ensheathing cells during development and regeneration. Neurosignals 2012; 20:147-58. [PMID: 22456085 DOI: 10.1159/000330895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary olfactory nervous system is unique in that it continuously renews itself and regenerates after injury. These properties are attributed to the presence of olfactory glia, termed olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). Evidence is now emerging that individual OEC populations exist with distinct anatomical localisations and physiological properties, but their differential roles have not been determined. Unlike other glia, OECs can migrate from the periphery into the central nervous system, and organised OEC migration can enhance axonal extension after injury. Despite this, the mechanisms regulating OEC migration are largely unknown. Here, we provide an overview of the roles of OECs in development and adulthood. We review the latest research describing the differences between individual OEC subpopulations and discuss potential regulatory mechanisms for OEC guidance and migration. Using advanced time lapse techniques, we have obtained novel insights into how OECs behave in a complex multicellular environment which we discuss here with particular focus on cell-cell interactions. Significantly, transplantation of OECs constitutes a promising novel therapy for nerve injuries, but results are highly variable and the method needs improvement. We here review the roles of transplanted OECs in neural repair of damaged neuronal tracts distinct from the primary olfactory nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A K Ekberg
- Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Li BC, Xu C, Zhang JY, Li Y, Duan ZX. Differing Schwann Cells and Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Behaviors, from Interacting with Astrocyte, Produce Similar Improvements in Contused Rat Spinal Cord's Motor Function. J Mol Neurosci 2012; 48:35-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-012-9740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Bunge MB, Wood PM. Realizing the maximum potential of Schwann cells to promote recovery from spinal cord injury. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2012; 109:523-540. [PMID: 23098734 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-52137-8.00032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) has been extensively investigated as a therapeutic intervention in rodent models of spinal cord injury (SCI). Here we review both strengths and weaknesses of this approach and discuss additional strategies for maximizing the potential of SCs to repair the injured spinal cord. With no additional treatments, SCs were consistently shown to provide a bridge across the lesion site, supporting the ingrowth of sensory and propriospinal axons, to myelinate axons and to decrease the size of cavities formed after injury. Supraspinal axons did not, however, grow onto the bridge, axons failed to traverse the caudal SC-host cord interface and transplanted SC survival was poor. More recent studies have shown that the potential of SC transplantation as a therapeutic approach can be strongly enhanced by combining additional strategies . For example, combining SC transplantation with elevation of cAMP levels resulted in growth of brainstem axons into the SC graft and caudal to the lesion and in significant improvements in locomotion. Axon growth (and functional improvement) have been increased by strategies to raise neurotrophin levels, either by injection or by genetic modification of the SCs before transplantation. A major problem in maximizing SC potential in injured cord has been in achieving good integration of the transplanted cells with the adjacent cord parenchyma. Several previous studies suggested an ability of SCs to migrate extensively in CNS tissue when astroctyes were absent and to myelinate CNS axons. Furthermore, in some cases involving very limited injury, SCs migrated and integrated well even in the presence of host astrocytes. Consistent with these observations, treatments with an enzyme, chondroitinase, to modify the SC-astrocyte interface surrounding the graft, have shown much promise. Very new studies have shown that SCs derived from SC precursors show a higher ability to survive, integrate well with host tissue and support brainstem axon growth into and beyond the graft, confirming the innate promise of SCs in spinal cord repair. We review one clinical trial already underway in Iran testing SC transplantation in patients with SCI. Finally, we briefly describe a protocol, adaptable to the principles of good manufacturing practice, for generating large numbers of human SCs. Overall, the available evidence suggests that SCs, especially when used in combination with other treatments, offer one of the best hopes we have today of devising an effective treatment for spinal cord repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Bartlett Bunge
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Rodrigues LP, Iglesias D, Nicola FC, Steffens D, Valentim L, Witczak A, Zanatta G, Achaval M, Pranke P, Netto CA. Transplantation of mononuclear cells from human umbilical cord blood promotes functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in Wistar rats. Braz J Med Biol Res 2011; 45:49-57. [PMID: 22183246 PMCID: PMC3854143 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2011007500162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation is a promising experimental treatment for spinal cord injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of mononuclear cells from human umbilical cord blood in promoting functional recovery when transplanted after a contusion spinal cord injury. Female Wistar rats (12 weeks old) were submitted to spinal injury with a MASCIS impactor and divided into 4 groups: control, surgical control, spinal cord injury, and one cell-treated lesion group. Mononuclear cells from umbilical cord blood of human male neonates were transplanted in two experiments: a) 1 h after surgery, into the injury site at a concentration of 5 x 106 cells diluted in 10 µL 0.9% NaCl (N = 8-10 per group); b) into the cisterna magna, 9 days after lesion at a concentration of 5 x 106 cells diluted in 150 µL 0.9% NaCl (N = 12-14 per group). The transplanted animals were immunosuppressed with cyclosporin-A (10 mg/kg per day). The BBB scale was used to evaluate motor behavior and the injury site was analyzed with immunofluorescent markers to label human transplanted cells, oligodendrocytes, neurons, and astrocytes. Spinal cord injury rats had 25% loss of cord tissue and cell treatment did not affect lesion extension. Transplanted cells survived in the injured area for 6 weeks after the procedure and both transplanted groups showed better motor recovery than the untreated ones (P < 0.05). The transplantation of mononuclear cells from human umbilical cord blood promoted functional recovery with no evidence of cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.
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Silva NA, Sousa RA, Pires AO, Sousa N, Salgado AJ, Reis RL. Interactions between Schwann and olfactory ensheathing cells with a starch/polycaprolactone scaffold aimed at spinal cord injury repair. J Biomed Mater Res A 2011; 100:470-6. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.33289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Ramón-Cueto A, Muñoz-Quiles C. Clinical application of adult olfactory bulb ensheathing glia for nervous system repair. Exp Neurol 2011; 229:181-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Revised: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Sasaki M, Lankford KL, Radtke C, Honmou O, Kocsis JD. Remyelination after olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation into diverse demyelinating environments. Exp Neurol 2011; 229:88-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Li BC, Li Y, Chen LF, Chang JY, Duan ZX. Olfactory ensheathing cells can reduce the tissue loss but not the cavity formation in contused spinal cord of rats. J Neurol Sci 2011; 303:67-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2010] [Revised: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Afshari FT, Kwok JC, Fawcett JW. Analysis of Schwann-astrocyte interactions using in vitro assays. J Vis Exp 2011:2214. [PMID: 21304451 DOI: 10.3791/2214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells are one of the commonly used cells in repair strategies following spinal cord injuries. Schwann cells are capable of supporting axonal regeneration and sprouting by secreting growth factors (1,2) and providing growth promoting adhesion molecules (3) and extracellular matrix molecules (4). In addition they myelinate the demyelinated axons at the site of injury (5). However following transplantation, Schwann cells do not migrate from the site of implant and do not intermingle with the host astrocytes (6,7). This results in formation of a sharp boundary between the Schwann cells and astrocytes, creating an obstacle for growing axons trying to exit the graft back into the host tissue proximally and distally. Astrocytes in contact with Schwann cells also undergo hypertrophy and up-regulate the inhibitory molecules (8-13). In vitro assays have been used to model Schwann cell-astrocyte interactions and have been important in understanding the mechanism underlying the cellular behaviour. These in vitro assays include boundary assay, where a co-culture is made using two different cells with each cell type occupying different territories with only a small gap separating the two cell fronts. As the cells divide and migrate, the two cellular fronts get closer to each other and finally collide. This allows the behaviour of the two cellular populations to be analyzed at the boundary. Another variation of the same technique is to mix the two cellular populations in culture and over time the two cell types segregate with Schwann cells clumped together as islands in between astrocytes together creating multiple Schwann-astrocyte boundaries. The second assay used in studying the interaction of two cell types is the migration assay where cellular movement can be tracked on the surface of the other cell type monolayer (14,15). This assay is commonly known as inverted coverslip assay. Schwann cells are cultured on small glass fragments and they are inverted face down onto the surface of astrocyte monolayers and migration is assessed from the edge of coverslip. Both assays have been instrumental in studying the underlying mechanisms involved in the cellular exclusion and boundary formation. Some of the molecules identified using these techniques include N-Cadherins 15, Chondroitin Sulphate proteoglycans(CSPGs) (16,17), FGF/Heparin (18), Eph/Ephrins(19). This article intends to describe boundary assay and migration assay in stepwise fashion and elucidate the possible technical problems that might occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fardad T Afshari
- Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge.
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Transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells reduce the gliotic injury response of Müller cells in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa. Brain Res 2011; 1382:238-44. [PMID: 21215725 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.12.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Revised: 12/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa leads to progressive visual loss and blindness. Until now there has been no effective therapy. Experimental studies have shown that transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells into CNS lesions reorganizes the glial scar and stimulates axon regeneration. We now report that cultured syngeneic adult rat olfactory ensheathing cells transplanted into the subretinal space of pigmented Royal College of Surgeon rats survived for a minimum of 8weeks, migrated into surrounding space, and suppressed the gliotic injury response of the Müller cells. Further investigation of intraretinal transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells may suggest a possible future route for protection of the retina in retinitis pigmentosa.
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Giordana MT, Grifoni S, Votta B, Magistrello M, Vercellino M, Pellerino A, Navone R, Valentini C, Calvo A, Chiò A. Neuropathology of olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation into the brain of two amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Brain Pathol 2010; 20:730-7. [PMID: 19919605 PMCID: PMC8094845 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2009.00353.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 10/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a large number of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients have undergone transplantation procedures with olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) in the Bejing Hospital, to our knowledge, no post-mortem neuropathologic analyses have been performed. We examined the post-mortem brain of two Italian patients affected by ALS who underwent cellular transplantation in Beijing with their consent. Our aim was to assess the events following the graft procedure to possibly support the rationale of the treatment strategy. The neuropathologic findings were analyzed on the basis of the limited awareness of the experimental conditions and discussed in relation to the safety, efficacy and long-term outcome of the transplanted cells. Islands of quiescent, undifferentiated cells within the delivery track persisting for up to 12 months-24 months were found. Prominent glial and inflammatory reaction around the delivery track strongly supports the encasement of the graft. Evidence of axonal regeneration, neuronal differentiation and myelination was not seen. The surgical procedure of implantation was not compatible with a neurotrophic effect. The OEC transplantation did not modify the neuropathology of ALS in the two patients. In conclusion, the present neuropathologic analysis does not support a beneficial effect of fetal OEC implantation into the frontal lobes of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Giordana
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Afshari FT, Kwok JC, White L, Fawcett JW. Schwann cell migration is integrin-dependent and inhibited by astrocyte-produced aggrecan. Glia 2010; 58:857-69. [PMID: 20155822 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Schwann cells transplantation has considerable promise in spinal cord trauma to bridge the site of injury and for remyelination in demyelinating conditions. They support axonal regeneration and sprouting by secreting growth factors and providing a permissive surface and matrix molecules while shielding axons from the inhibitory environment of the central nervous system. However, following transplantation Schwann cells show limited migratory ability and they are unable to intermingle with the host astrocytes. This in turn leads to formation of a sharp boundary and an abrupt transition between the Schwann cell graft and the host tissue astrocytes, therefore preventing regenerating axons from exiting the graft. The objective of this study was to identify inhibitory elements on astrocytes involved in restricting Schwann cell migration. Using in vitro assays of cell migration, we show that aggrecan produced by astrocytes is involved in the inhibition of Schwann cell motility on astrocytic monolayers. Knockdown of this proteoglycan in astrocytes using RNAi or digestion of glycosaminglycan chains on aggrecan improves Schwann cell migration. We further show aggrecan mediates its effect by disruption of integrin function in Schwann cells, and that the inhibitory effects of aggrecan can overcome by activation of Schwann cell integrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fardad T Afshari
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge University Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, United Kingdom
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Smith GM, Onifer SM. Construction of pathways to promote axon growth within the adult central nervous system. Brain Res Bull 2010; 84:300-5. [PMID: 20554000 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/31/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inducing significant axon growth or regeneration after spinal cord injury has been difficult, primarily due to the poor growth supportive environment and low intrinsic growth ability of neurons within the CNS. Neurotrophins alone have been shown to readily induce regeneration of sensory axons after dorsal root lesions, however if neurotrophin gradients are expressed within the spinal cord these axons fail to terminate within appropriate target regions. Under such conditions, addition of a "stop" signal reduces growth into deeper dorsal laminae to support more specific targeting. Such neurotrophin gradients alone lose their effectiveness when lesions are within the spinal cord, requiring a combined treatment regime. Construction of pathways using combined treatments support good regeneration when they increase the intrinsic growth properties of neurons, provide a bridge across the lesion site, and supply a growth supportive substrate to induce axon growth out of the bridge and back into the host. Neurotrophin gradients distal to the bridge greatly enhance axon outgrowth. In disorders where neuronal circuits are lost, construction of preformed growth supportive pathways sustain long distance axon growth from a neuronal transplant to distal target locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- George M Smith
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, 40536, USA.
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Abstract
Schwann cells are a promising candidate for bridging spinal cord injuries and remyelinating axons. However, grafted Schwann cells show little intermingling with host astrocytes and therefore limited migration from transplant sites. This leads to the formation of a sharp border between host astrocytes and Schwann cells, which results in axons stalling at the graft-host interface and failing to exit the graft. We investigated the possibility that Eph/ephrin interactions are involved in the segregation of Schwann cells and astrocytes and in limiting Schwann cell migration. Using reverse transcription-PCR, we have characterized the ephrin and Eph profile in cultured Schwann cells and astrocytes, showing that astrocytes produce all the ephrinAs and Schwann cells produce the receptors EphA2, EphA4, and EphA7. Several ephrinAs inhibit Schwann cell migration on laminin, with ephrinA5 being the most effective. Blocking the EphA receptors with excess EphA4-Fc increases Schwann cell migration on astrocytes and improves Schwann-astrocyte intermingling. We show that the action of ephrinA5 on Schwann cells is mediated via VAV2. Both clustered ephrinA5 and astrocyte contact increases the phosphorylation of VAV2 in Schwann cells. Knockdown of VAV2 abrogates the inhibitory effect of clustered ephrinA5 on migration and increases the ability of Schwann cells to migrate on astrocytes. In addition, we found a role for ephrinA5 in inhibiting Schwann cell integrin signaling and function. Overall, we suggest that Eph/ephrin interactions inhibit Schwann cell migration and intermingling with astrocytes via VAV signaling affecting integrin function.
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Chi GF, Kim MR, Kim DW, Jiang MH, Son Y. Schwann cells differentiated from spheroid-forming cells of rat subcutaneous fat tissue myelinate axons in the spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2010; 222:304-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Steencken AC, Siebert JR, Stelzner DJ. Lack of axonal sprouting of spared propriospinal fibers caudal to spinal contusion injury is attributed to chronic axonopathy. J Neurotrauma 2010; 26:2279-97. [PMID: 19645528 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2009.0934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that a small percentage of long descending propriospinal tract (LDPT) axons are spared, whereas few short thoracic propriospinal (TPS) fibers survive 2 weeks following severe (50 mm weight drop) low thoracic spinal cord contusion injury (SCI). Here, we extended those findings to a moderate (25 mm weight drop) T9 SCI and assessed the effects of this lesion severity on propriospinal tract fibers at different time periods after injury. We anterogradely labeled fibers with fluororuby (FR) or WGA-HRP to determine their location and number 2, 4, 6, and 16 weeks post-SCI. Findings were compared with non-injured controls. At chronic time points, surviving FR-labeled LDPT fibers rostral to the injury remained as reactive endings or as putative regenerative sprouts. Caudal to the injury, spared LDPT fibers ran along a rim of lateral and ventral white matter, and ended as small abnormal-appearing putative terminal boutons or reactive endings within the intermediate gray matter of lumbosacral cord, with little axonal arborization and no evidence of injury-induced sprouting. One striking difference in the WGA-HRP experimental operates was the increased density of labeling of spared axons within the white matter caudal to the injury compared to controls. This labeling pattern was reminiscent of the labeling found after axotomy in studies by others, and raises a question as to contusion injury-induced impaired axonal transport. We hypothesize that axonal sprouting of axons after partial spinal cord injury seen in previous investigations was not found in the present investigation because of the additional pathological effects of contusion injury, similar to what is observed after traumatic brain injury.
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Su Z, Yuan Y, Chen J, Cao L, Zhu Y, Gao L, Qiu Y, He C. Reactive astrocytes in glial scar attract olfactory ensheathing cells migration by secreted TNF-alpha in spinal cord lesion of rat. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8141. [PMID: 19997621 PMCID: PMC2780297 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background After spinal cord injury (SCI), the formation of glial scar contributes to the failure of injured adult axons to regenerate past the lesion. Increasing evidence indicates that olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) implanted into spinal cord are found to migrate into the lesion site and induce axons regeneration beyond glial scar and resumption of functions. However, little is known about the mechanisms of OECs migrating from injection site to glial scar/lesion site. Methods and Findings In the present study, we identified a link between OECs migration and reactive astrocytes in glial scar that was mediated by the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Initially, the Boyden chamber migration assay showed that both glial scar tissue and reactive astrocyte-conditioned medium promoted OECs migration in vitro. Reactive astrocyte-derived TNF-α and its type 1 receptor TNFR1 expressed on OECs were identified to be responsible for the promoting effect on OECs migration. TNF-α-induced OECs migration was demonstrated depending on activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascades. Furthermore, TNF-α secreted by reactive astrocytes in glial scar was also showed to attract OECs migration in a spinal cord hemisection injury model of rat. Conclusions These findings showed that TNF-α was released by reactive astrocytes in glial scar and attracted OECs migration by interacting with TNFR1 expressed on OECs via regulation of ERK signaling. This migration-attracting effect of reactive astrocytes on OECs may suggest a mechanism for guiding OECs migration into glial scar, which is crucial for OECs-mediated axons regrowth beyond the spinal cord lesion site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhida Su
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Minister of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Minister of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Minister of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Cao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Minister of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanling Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Minister of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Gao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Minister of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Minister of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng He
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Minister of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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Liu K, Li Y, Wang H, Jiang X, Zhao Y, Sun D, Chen L, Young W, Huang H, Zhou C. The Immunohistochemical Characterization of Human Fetal Olfactory Bulb and Olfactory Ensheathing Cells in Culture as a Source for Clinical CNS Restoration. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2009; 293:359-69. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.21030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Assina R, Sankar T, Theodore N, Javedan SP, Gibson AR, Horn KM, Berens M, Sonntag VKH, Preul MC. Activated autologous macrophage implantation in a large-animal model of spinal cord injury. Neurosurg Focus 2009; 25:E3. [PMID: 18980477 DOI: 10.3171/foc.2008.25.11.e3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECT Axonal regeneration may be hindered following spinal cord injury (SCI) by a limited immune response and insufficient macrophage recruitment. This limitation has been partially surmounted in small-mammal models of SCI by implanting activated autologous macrophages (AAMs). The authors sought to replicate these results in a canine model of partial SCI. METHODS Six dogs underwent left T-13 spinal cord hemisection. The AAMs were implanted at both ends of the lesion in 4 dogs, and 2 other dogs received sham implantations of cell media. Cortical motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were used to assess electrophysiological recovery. Functional motor recovery was assessed with a modified Tarlov Scale. After 9 months, animals were injected with wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase at L-2 and killed for histological assessment. RESULTS Three of the 4 dogs that received AAM implants and 1 of the 2 negative control dogs showed clear recovery of MEP response. Behavioral assessment showed no difference in motor function between the AAM-treated and control groups. Histological investigation with an axonal retrograde tracer showed neither local fiber crossing nor significant uptake in the contralateral red nucleus in both implanted and negative control groups. CONCLUSIONS In a large-animal model of partial SCI treated with implanted AAMs, the authors saw no morphological or histological evidence of axonal regeneration. Although they observed partial electrophysiological and functional motor recovery in all dogs, this recovery was not enhanced in animals treated with implanted AAMs. Furthermore, there was no morphological or histological evidence of axonal regeneration in animals with implants that accounted for the observed recovery. The explanation for this finding is probably multifactorial, but the authors believe that the AAM implantation does not produce axonal regeneration, and therefore is a technology that requires further investigation before it can be clinically relied on to ameliorate SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Assina
- Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Kocsis JD, Lankford KL, Sasaki M, Radtke C. Unique in vivo properties of olfactory ensheathing cells that may contribute to neural repair and protection following spinal cord injury. Neurosci Lett 2009; 456:137-42. [PMID: 19429149 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.08.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Revised: 08/06/2008] [Accepted: 08/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are specialized glial cells that guide olfactory receptor axons from the nasal mucosa into the brain where they make synaptic contacts in the olfactory bulb. While a number of studies have demonstrated that in vivo transplantation of OECs into injured spinal cord results in improved functional outcome, precise cellular mechanisms underlying this improvement are not fully understood. Current thinking is that OECs can encourage axonal regeneration, provide trophic support for injured neurons and for angiogenesis, and remyelinate axons. However, Schwann cell (SC) transplantation also results in significant functional improvement in animal models of spinal cord injury. In culture SCs and OECs share a number of phenotypic properties such as expression of the low affinity NGF receptor (p75). An important area of research has been to distinguish potential differences in the in vivo behavior of OECs and SCs to determine if one cell type may offer greater advantage as a cellular therapeutic candidate. In this review we focus on several unique features of OECs when they are transplanted into the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery D Kocsis
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
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Lankford KL, Sasaki M, Radtke C, Kocsis JD. Olfactory ensheathing cells exhibit unique migratory, phagocytic, and myelinating properties in the X-irradiated spinal cord not shared by Schwann cells. Glia 2008; 56:1664-78. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.20718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Guest JD, Herrera L, Margitich I, Oliveria M, Marcillo A, Casas CE. Xenografts of expanded primate olfactory ensheathing glia support transient behavioral recovery that is independent of serotonergic or corticospinal axonal regeneration in nude rats following spinal cord transection. Exp Neurol 2008; 212:261-74. [PMID: 18511045 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2007] [Revised: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 03/03/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing glial cells (OEG) may improve the outcome from spinal cord injury. Proof-of-principle studies in primates are desirable and the feasibility and efficacy of using in vitro expanded OEG should be tested. An intermediate step between the validation of rodent studies and human clinical trials is to study expanded primate OEG (POEG) xenografts in immunotolerant rodents. In this study the time course to generate purified POEG was evaluated as well as their survival, effect on damaged axons of the corticospinal and serotonergic systems, tissue sparing, and chronic locomotor recovery following transplantation. Fifty-seven nude rats underwent T9/10 spinal cord transection. Thirty-eight rats received POEG, 19 controls were injected with cell medium, and 10 received lentivirally-GFP-transfected POEG. Histological evaluation was conducted at 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 14 weeks and 23-24 weeks. Of these 57 rats, 18 were studied with 5-HT immunostaining, 16 with BDA anterograde CST labeling, and six were used for transmission electron microscopy. In grafted animals, behavioral recovery, sprouting and limited regeneration of 5-HT fibers, and increased numbers of proximal collateral processes but not regeneration of CST fibers was observed. Grafted animals had less cavitation in the spinal cord stumps than controls. Behavioral recovery peaked at three months and then declined. Five POEG-transplanted animals that had shown behavioral recovery underwent retransection and behavioral scores did not change significantly, suggesting that long tract axonal regeneration did not account for the locomotor improvement. At the ultrastructural level presumptive POEG were found to have direct contacts with astrocytes forming the glia limitans, distinct from those formed by Schwann cells. At 6 weeks GFP expression was detected in cells within the lesion site and within nerve roots but did not match the pattern of Hoechst nuclear labeling. At 3.5 months only GFP-positive debris in macrophages could be detected. Transplanted POEG support behavioral recovery via mechanisms that appear to be independent of long tract regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Guest
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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