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Imaging of Inflammation in Spinal Cord Injury: Novel Insights on the Usage of PFC-Based Contrast Agents. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040379. [PMID: 33916774 PMCID: PMC8065995 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Labeling of macrophages with perfluorocarbon (PFC)-based compounds allows the visualization of inflammatory processes by 19F-magnetic resonance imaging (19F-MRI), due to the absence of endogenous background. Even if PFC-labeling of monocytes/macrophages has been largely investigated and used, information is lacking about the impact of these agents over the polarization towards one of their cell subsets and on the best way to image them. In the present work, a PFC-based nanoemulsion was developed to monitor the course of inflammation in a model of spinal cord injury (SCI), a pathology in which the understanding of immunological events is of utmost importance to select the optimal therapeutic strategies. The effects of PFC over macrophage polarization were studied in vitro, on cultured macrophages, and in vivo, in a mouse SCI model, by testing and comparing various cell tracking protocols, including single and multiple administrations, the use of MRI or Point Resolved Spectroscopy (PRESS), and application of pre-saturation of Kupffer cells. The blood half-life of nanoemulsion was also investigated by 19F Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). In vitro and in vivo results indicate the occurrence of a switch towards the M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype, suggesting a possible theranostic function of these nanoparticles. The comparative work presented here allows the reader to select the most appropriate protocol according to the research objectives (quantitative data acquisition, visual monitoring of macrophage recruitment, theranostic purpose, rapid MRI acquisition, etc.). Finally, the method developed here to determine the blood half-life of the PFC nanoemulsion can be extended to other fluorinated compounds.
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Ghibaudi M, Boido M, Green D, Signorino E, Berto GE, Pourshayesteh S, Singh A, Di Cunto F, Dalmay T, Vercelli A. miR-7b-3p Exerts a Dual Role After Spinal Cord Injury, by Supporting Plasticity and Neuroprotection at Cortical Level. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:618869. [PMID: 33869277 PMCID: PMC8044879 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.618869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects 6 million people worldwide with no available treatment. Despite research advances, the inherent poor regeneration potential of the central nervous system remains a major hurdle. Small RNAs (sRNAs) 19-33 nucleotides in length are a set of non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and have emerged as key players in regulating cellular events occurring after SCI. Here we profiled a class of sRNA known as microRNAs (miRNAs) following SCI in the cortex where the cell bodies of corticospinal motor neurons are located. We identified miR-7b-3p as a candidate target given its significant upregulation after SCI in vivo and we screened by miRWalk PTM the genes predicted to be targets of miR-7b-3p (among which we identified Wipf2, a gene regulating neurite extension). Moreover, 16 genes, involved in neural regeneration and potential miR-7b-3p targets, were found to be downregulated in the cortex following SCI. We also analysed miR-7b-3p function during cortical neuron development in vitro: we observed that the overexpression of miR-7b-3p was important (1) to maintain neurons in a more immature and, likely, plastic neuronal developmental phase and (2) to contrast the apoptotic pathway; however, in normal conditions it did not affect the Wipf2 expression. On the contrary, the overexpression of miR-7b-3p upon in vitro oxidative stress condition (mimicking the SCI environment) significantly reduced the expression level of Wipf2, as observed in vivo, confirming it as a direct miR-7b-3p target. Overall, these data suggest a dual role of miR-7b-3p: (i) the induction of a more plastic neuronal condition/phase, possibly at the expense of the axon growth, (ii) the neuroprotective role exerted through the inhibition of the apoptotic cascade. Increasing the miR-7b-3p levels in case of SCI could reactivate in adult neurons silenced developmental programmes, supporting at the same time the survival of the axotomised neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Ghibaudi
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
- Polymers and Biomaterials, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Darrell Green
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Signorino
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Gaia Elena Berto
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Soraya Pourshayesteh
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Archana Singh
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Tamas Dalmay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy
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Tonda-Turo C, Carmagnola I, Chiappone A, Feng Z, Ciardelli G, Hakkarainen M, Sangermano M. Photocurable chitosan as bioink for cellularized therapies towards personalized scaffold architecture. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bprint.2020.e00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Boido M, Butenko O, Filippo C, Schellino R, Vrijbloed JW, Fariello RG, Vercelli A. A new protein curbs the hypertrophic effect of myostatin inhibition, adding remarkable endurance to motor performance in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228653. [PMID: 32160187 PMCID: PMC7065788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current efforts to improve muscle performance are focused on muscle trophism via inhibition of the myostatin pathway: however they have been unsuccessful in the clinic to date. In this study, a novel protein has been created by combining the soluble activin receptor, a strong myostatin inhibitor, to the C-terminal agrin nLG3 domain (ActR-Fc-nLG3) involved in the development and maintenance of neuromuscular junctions. Both domains are connected via the constant region of an Igg1 monoclonal antibody. Surprisingly, young male mice treated with ActR-Fc-nLG3 showed a remarkably increased endurance in the rotarod test, significantly longer than the single domain compounds ActR-Fc and Fc-nLG3 treated animals. This increase in endurance was accompanied by only a moderate increase in body weights and wet muscle weights of ActR-Fc-nLG3 treated animals and were lower than expected. The myostatin inhibitor ActR-Fc induced, as expected, a highly significant increase in body and muscle weights compared to control animals and ActR-Fc-nLG3 treated animals. Moreover, the prolonged endurance effect was not observed when ActR-Fc and Fc-nLG3 were dosed simultaneously as a mixture and the body and muscle weights of these animals were very similar to ActR-Fc treated animals, indicating that both domains need to be on one molecule. Muscle morphology induced by ActR-Fc-nLG3 did not appear to be changed however, close examination of the neuromuscular junction showed significantly increased acetylcholine receptor surface area for ActR-Fc-nLG3 treated animals compared to controls. This result is consistent with published observations that endurance training in rats increased acetylcholine receptor quantity at neuromuscular junctions and provide evidence that improving nerve-muscle interaction could be an important factor for sustaining long term muscle activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Boido
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Olena Butenko
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Consuelo Filippo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberta Schellino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Cofano F, Boido M, Monticelli M, Zenga F, Ducati A, Vercelli A, Garbossa D. Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: Current Options, Limitations, and Future of Cell Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112698. [PMID: 31159345 PMCID: PMC6600381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) constitutes an inestimable public health issue. The most crucial phase in the pathophysiological process of SCI concerns the well-known secondary injury, which is the uncontrolled and destructive cascade occurring later with aberrant molecular signaling, inflammation, vascular changes, and secondary cellular dysfunctions. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represents one of the most important and promising tested strategies. Their appeal, among the other sources and types of stem cells, increased because of their ease of isolation/preservation and their properties. Nevertheless, encouraging promise from preclinical studies was followed by weak and conflicting results in clinical trials. In this review, the therapeutic role of MSCs is discussed, together with their properties, application, limitations, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Cofano
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neurosurgery Unit, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neuroscience Institute "Cavalieri Ottolenghi", University of Turin, Consorzio Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Matteo Monticelli
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neurosurgery Unit, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Francesco Zenga
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neurosurgery Unit, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Ducati
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neurosurgery Unit, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neuroscience Institute "Cavalieri Ottolenghi", University of Turin, Consorzio Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, 10043 Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Diego Garbossa
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Neurosurgery Unit, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy.
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Perrin FE, Noristani HN. Serotonergic mechanisms in spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2019; 318:174-191. [PMID: 31085200 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a tragic event causing irreversible losses of sensory, motor, and autonomic functions, that may also be associated with chronic neuropathic pain. Serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission in the spinal cord is critical for modulating sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. Following SCI, 5-HT axons caudal to the lesion site degenerate, and the degree of axonal degeneration positively correlates with lesion severity. Rostral to the lesion, 5-HT axons sprout, irrespective of the severity of the injury. Unlike callosal fibers and cholinergic projections, 5-HT axons are more resistant to an inhibitory milieu and undergo active sprouting and regeneration after central nervous system (CNS) traumatism. Numerous studies suggest that a chronic increase in serotonergic neurotransmission promotes 5-HT axon sprouting in the intact CNS. Moreover, recent studies in invertebrates suggest that 5-HT has a pro-regenerative role in injured axons. Here we present a brief description of 5-HT discovery, 5-HT innervation of the CNS, and physiological functions of 5-HT in the spinal cord, including its role in controlling bladder function. We then present a comprehensive overview of changes in serotonergic axons after CNS damage, and discuss their plasticity upon altered 5-HT neurotransmitter levels. Subsequently, we provide an in-depth review of therapeutic approaches targeting 5-HT neurotransmission, as well as other pre-clinical strategies to promote an increase in re-growth of 5-HT axons, and their functional consequences in SCI animal models. Finally, we highlight recent findings signifying the direct role of 5-HT in axon regeneration and suggest strategies to further promote robust long-distance re-growth of 5-HT axons across the lesion site and eventually achieve functional recovery following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Evelyne Perrin
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, F-34095 France; INSERM, U1198, Montpellier, F-34095 France; EPHE, Paris, F-75014 France
| | - Harun Najib Noristani
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Center for Neural Repair, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
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Boido M, Ghibaudi M, Gentile P, Favaro E, Fusaro R, Tonda-Turo C. Chitosan-based hydrogel to support the paracrine activity of mesenchymal stem cells in spinal cord injury treatment. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6402. [PMID: 31024032 PMCID: PMC6483991 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced therapies which combine cells with biomaterial-based carriers are recognized as an emerging and powerful method to treat challenging diseases, such as spinal cord injury (SCI). By enhancing transplanted cell survival and grafting, biomimetic hydrogels can be properly engineered to encapsulate cells and locate them at the injured site in a minimally invasive way. In this work, chitosan (CS) based hydrogels were developed to host mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), since their paracrine action can therapeutically enhance the SC regeneration, limiting the formation of a glial scar and reducing cell death at the injured site. An injectable and highly permeable CS-based hydrogel was fabricated having a rapid gelation upon temperature increase from 0 to 37 °C. CS was selected as former material both for its high biocompatibility that guarantees the proper environment for MSCs survival and for its ability to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant cues. MSCs were mixed with the hydrogel solution prior to gelation. MSC viability was not affected by the CS hydrogel and encapsulated MSCs were able to release MSC-vesicles as well as to maintain their anti-oxidant features. Finally, preliminary in vivo tests on SCI mice revealed good handling of the CS solution loading MSCs during implantation and high encapsulated MSCs survival after 7 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Boido
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Orbassano, 10043, Italy
| | - M Ghibaudi
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Orbassano, 10043, Italy
| | - P Gentile
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - E Favaro
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Torino, 10126, Italy
| | - R Fusaro
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico of Torino, Torino, 10129, Italy
| | - C Tonda-Turo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - PolitoBIOMed Lab, Politecnico of Torino, Torino, 10129, Italy.
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Jeffrey-Gauthier R, Josset N, Bretzner F, Leblond H. Facilitation of Locomotor Spinal Networks Activity by Buspirone after a Complete Spinal Cord Lesion in Mice. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:2208-2221. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Jeffrey-Gauthier
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Québec, Canada
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Québec, Canada
| | | | - Frédéric Bretzner
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Hugues Leblond
- Department of Anatomy, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Québec, Canada
- CogNAC Research Group, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), Québec, Canada
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Jin Y, Shumsky JS, Fischer I. Axonal regeneration of different tracts following transplants of human glial restricted progenitors into the injured spinal cord in rats. Brain Res 2018; 1686:101-112. [PMID: 29408659 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to compare the efficacy of human glial restricted progenitors (hGRPs) in promoting axonal growth of different tracts. We examined the potential of hGRPs grafted into a cervical (C4) dorsal column lesion to test sensory axons, and into a C4 hemisection to test motor tracts. The hGRPs, thawed from frozen stocks, were suspended in a PureCol matrix and grafted acutely into a C4 dorsal column or hemisection lesion. Control rats received PureCol only. Five weeks after transplantation, all transplanted cells survived in rats with the dorsal column lesion but only about half of the grafts in the hemisection. In the dorsal column lesion group, few sensory axons grew short distances into the lesion site of control animals. The presence of hGRPs transplants enhanced axonal growth significantly farther into the transplants. In the hemisection group, coerulospinal axons extended similarly into both control and transplant groups with no enhancement by the presence of hGRPs. Rubrospinal axons did not grow into the lesion even in the presence of hGRPs. However, reticulospinal and raphespinal axons grew for a significantly longer distance into the transplants. These results demonstrate the differential capacity of axonal growth/regeneration of the motor and sensory tracts based on their intrinsic abilities as well as their response to the modified environment induced by the hGRPs transplants. We conclude that hGRP transplants can modify the injury site for axon growth of sensory and some motor tracts, and suggest they could be combined with other interventions to restore connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jin
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
| | - Jed S Shumsky
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Itzhak Fischer
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
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Lv C, Yang S, Chen X, Zhu X, Lin W, Wang L, Huang Z, Wang M, Tu G. MicroRNA-21 promotes bone mesenchymal stem cells migration in vitro by activating PI3K/Akt/MMPs pathway. J Clin Neurosci 2017; 46:156-162. [PMID: 28844616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) contributes to anti-apoptosis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), but its role in the migration of BMSCs remains vague. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effect of miR-21 on regulating BMSCs directional migration and the expression of MMP-2/MMP-9 in BMSCs in vitro. BMSCs were successfully infected with miR-21-up lentivirus. Cell migration using Transwell assay indicated that upregulated expression of miR-21 could significantly promote BMSCs migration. Western blot analysis indicated that miR-21 significantly upregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, which were related to metastasis-associated genes. GM6001, the specific MMPs inhibitor, abrogated the upregulated expression of MMP-2/MMP-9 and abolished the positive effect of miR-21 on promoting BMSCs migration. Meanwhile, miR-21 significantly enhanced Akt phosphorylation, as measured by Western blot analysis. LY294002, an inhibitor of Akt activation, abrogated the phosphorylation of Akt and abolished the positive effect of miR-21 on promoting BMSCs migration and upregulating MMP-2/MMP-9 expression. These results suggest that miR-21 contributes to BMSCs migration by upregulating MMP-2/MMP-9, potentially via the PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Shengwu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Xiongbai Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Wenjun Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Zhengxiang Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Mingyue Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Liaoning Armed Force Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Guanjun Tu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
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Filippi M, Boido M, Pasquino C, Garello F, Boffa C, Terreno E. Successful in vivo MRI tracking of MSCs labeled with Gadoteridol in a Spinal Cord Injury experimental model. Exp Neurol 2016; 282:66-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Current Neurogenic and Neuroprotective Strategies to Prevent and Treat Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Neuromolecular Med 2015; 17:404-22. [PMID: 26374113 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-015-8369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The adult central nervous system is commonly known to have a very limited regenerative capacity. The presence of functional stem cells in the brain can therefore be seen as a paradox, since in other organs these are known to counterbalance cell loss derived from pathological conditions. This fact has therefore raised the possibility to stimulate neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation or survival by either stem cell replacement therapy or direct administration of neurotrophic factors or other proneurogenic molecules, which in turn has also originated regenerative medicine for the treatment of otherwise incurable neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders that take a huge toll on society. This may be facilitated by the fact that many of these disorders converge on similar pathophysiological pathways: excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial failure, excessive intracellular calcium and apoptosis. This review will therefore focus on the most promising achievements in promoting neuroprotection and neuroregeneration reported to date.
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Ghosh M, Pearse DD. The role of the serotonergic system in locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. Front Neural Circuits 2015; 8:151. [PMID: 25709569 PMCID: PMC4321350 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT), a monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized in various populations of brainstem neurons, plays an important role in modulating the activity of spinal networks involved in vertebrate locomotion. Following spinal cord injury (SCI) there is a disruption of descending serotonergic projections to spinal motor areas, which results in a subsequent depletion in 5-HT, the dysregulation of 5-HT transporters as well as the elevated expression, super-sensitivity and/or constitutive auto-activation of specific 5-HT receptors. These changes in the serotonergic system can produce varying degrees of locomotor dysfunction through to paralysis. To date, various approaches targeting the different components of the serotonergic system have been employed to restore limb coordination and improve locomotor function in experimental models of SCI. These strategies have included pharmacological modulation of serotonergic receptors, through the administration of specific 5-HT receptor agonists, or by elevating the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan, which produces a global activation of all classes of 5-HT receptors. Stimulation of these receptors leads to the activation of the locomotor central pattern generator (CPG) below the site of injury to facilitate or improve the quality and frequency of movements, particularly when used in concert with the activation of other monoaminergic systems or coupled with electrical stimulation. Another approach has been to employ cell therapeutics to replace the loss of descending serotonergic input to the CPG, either through transplanted fetal brainstem 5-HT neurons at the site of injury that can supply 5-HT to below the level of the lesion or by other cell types to provide a substrate at the injury site for encouraging serotonergic axon regrowth across the lesion to the caudal spinal cord for restoring locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Ghosh
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA ; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
| | - Damien D Pearse
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA ; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA ; The Neuroscience Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA ; The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Miami, FL, USA
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14
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Sharples SA, Koblinger K, Humphreys JM, Whelan PJ. Dopamine: a parallel pathway for the modulation of spinal locomotor networks. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:55. [PMID: 24982614 PMCID: PMC4059167 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord contains networks of neurons that can produce locomotor patterns. To readily respond to environmental conditions, these networks must be flexible yet at the same time robust. Neuromodulators play a key role in contributing to network flexibility in a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate networks. For example, neuromodulators contribute to altering intrinsic properties and synaptic weights that, in extreme cases, can lead to neurons switching between networks. Here we focus on the role of dopamine in the control of stepping networks in the spinal cord. We first review the role of dopamine in modulating rhythmic activity in the stomatogastric ganglion (STG) and the leech, since work from these preparations provides a foundation to understand its role in vertebrate systems. We then move to a discussion of dopamine’s role in modulation of swimming in aquatic species such as the larval xenopus, lamprey and zebrafish. The control of terrestrial walking in vertebrates by dopamine is less studied and we review current evidence in mammals with a focus on rodent species. We discuss data suggesting that the source of dopamine within the spinal cord is mainly from the A11 area of the diencephalon, and then turn to a discussion of dopamine’s role in modulating walking patterns from both in vivo and in vitro preparations. Similar to the descending serotonergic system, the dopaminergic system may serve as a potential target to promote recovery of locomotor function following spinal cord injury (SCI); evidence suggests that dopaminergic agonists can promote recovery of function following SCI. We discuss pharmacogenetic and optogenetic approaches that could be deployed in SCI and their potential tractability. Throughout the review we draw parallels with both noradrenergic and serotonergic modulatory effects on spinal cord networks. In all likelihood, a complementary monoaminergic enhancement strategy should be deployed following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Sharples
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kathrin Koblinger
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Humphreys
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Patrick J Whelan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
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Tardivo V, Crobeddu E, Pilloni G, Fontanella M, Spena G, Panciani PP, Berjano P, Ajello M, Bozzaro M, Agnoletti A, Altieri R, Fiumefreddo A, Zenga F, Ducati A, Garbossa D. Say "no" to spinal cord injury: is nitric oxide an option for therapeutic strategies? Int J Neurosci 2014; 125:81-90. [PMID: 24697508 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2014.908877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE a literature review was made to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in spinal cord injury, a pathological condition that leads to motor, sensory, and autonomic deficit. Besides, we were interested in potential therapeutic strategies interfering with NO mechanism of secondary damage. MATERIALS A literature search using PubMed Medline database has been performed. RESULTS excessive NO production after spinal cord injury promotes oxidative damage perpetuating the injury causing neuronal loss at the injured site and in the surrounding area. CONCLUSION different therapeutic approaches for contrasting or avoiding NO secondary damage have been studied, these include nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, compounds that interfere with inducible NO synthase expression, and molecules working as antioxidant. Further studies are needed to explain the neuroprotective or cytotoxic role of the different isoforms of NO synthase and the other mediators that take part or influence the NO cascade. In this way, it would be possible to find new therapeutic targets and furthermore to extend the experimentation to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Tardivo
- 1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino , Torino , Italy
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16
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Emgård M, Piao J, Aineskog H, Liu J, Calzarossa C, Odeberg J, Holmberg L, Samuelsson EB, Bezubik B, Vincent PH, Falci SP, Seiger Å, Åkesson E, Sundström E. Neuroprotective effects of human spinal cord-derived neural precursor cells after transplantation to the injured spinal cord. Exp Neurol 2014; 253:138-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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17
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Ning G, Tang L, Wu Q, Li Y, Li Y, Zhang C, Feng S. Human umbilical cord blood stem cells for spinal cord injury: early transplantation results in better local angiogenesis. Regen Med 2014; 8:271-81. [PMID: 23627822 DOI: 10.2217/rme.13.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM We aim to explore the repair mechanism after the transplantation of CD34(+) human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. MATERIALS & METHODS Wistar rats with SCI were randomly divided into three groups: DMEM injection (group A); CD34(+) HUCBC transplantation on the first day after injury (group B); and CD34(+) HUCBC transplantation on the sixth day after injury (group C). The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores were used to evaluate motor behavior. At the injured site, the infarct size, blood vessel density, and survival and neural differentiation of transplanted cells were analyzed. RESULTS It was found that the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score in group B was significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.05), and the infarct size and blood vessel density at the injured site were significantly different (p < 0.01). However, the transplanted cells survived at least 3 weeks at the injured site, but did not differentiate into neural cells. CONCLUSION These results suggested transplantation of CD34(+) HUCBCs during the acute phase could promote the functional recovery better than during the subacute phase after SCI by raising blood vessel density, suggesting the possible clinical application for the treatment of spinal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhi Ning
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Heping District Anshan Road 154, Tianjin 300052, PR China
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18
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Kaminski EL, Falavigna A, Venturin GT, Marinowic D, Bagatini PB, Xavier LL, DaCosta JC. Two intrathecal transplants of bone marrow mononuclear cells produce motor improvement in an acute and severe model of spinal cord injury. COLUNA/COLUMNA 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s1808-18512013000400001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We studied transplants of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) by lumbar puncture (LP) in a severe model of spinal cord injury (SCI) using clip compression. METHODS: BMMCs or saline solution were transplanted by LP 48 hours and 9 days post injury. Motor function was evaluated by BBB scale, histological analysis by Nissl technique and the verification of cell migration by PCR analysis. RESULTS: The BBB had significantly improved in rats treated with BMMCs by LP compared with controls (p<0.001). The histological analysis did not showed difference in the lesional area between the groups. The PCR analysis was able to found BMMCs in the injury site. CONCLUSIONS: two BMMC transplants by LP improved motor function in a severe model of SCI and BMMC was found in the injury site.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Marinowic
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
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Boido M, Garbossa D, Fontanella M, Ducati A, Vercelli A. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation reduces glial cyst and improves functional outcome after spinal cord compression. World Neurosurg 2012; 81:183-90. [PMID: 23022648 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2012.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that have a supportive role in regenerative therapies, especially in the central nervous system, where spontaneous regeneration is limited. MSCs can exert a paracrine activity and modulate the inflammatory response after a central nervous system injury. Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to permanent neurologic deficits below the injury site, owing to neuronal and axonal damage. Among experimental treatments after SCI, cell transplantation has emerged as a promising approach. METHODS Using a compression injury model in the mouse spinal cord, MSCs were acutely transplanted into the lesion cavity; injured mice without the graft served as controls. After 26 days, the survival of MSCs was investigated, and their effect on the formation of glial cyst and on injury-related inflammation was evaluated. RESULTS Grafted MSCs remained permanently undifferentiated. The lesion volume was reduced by 31.6% compared with control mice despite the fact that astroglial and microglial activation was not altered by the graft. Sensory and motor tests showed that MSC cell therapy results in improvement on a battery of behavioral tests compared with control mice: MSC-treated mice versus control mice scored 0.00 versus 0.50 in the posture test, 0.00 versus 1.50 in the hindlimb flexion test, 3.00 versus 2.25 in the sensory test, and 7.50 mistakes versus 15.83 mistakes in the foot-fault test. CONCLUSIONS These results underscore the therapeutic potential of MSCs, making them promising treatments for central nervous system pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Boido
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Neuroscience Institute of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Diego Garbossa
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Fontanella
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ducati
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery Section, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Neuroscience Institute of Turin, Turin, Italy
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20
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Myogenic potential of whole bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo for usage in urinary incontinence. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45538. [PMID: 23029081 PMCID: PMC3448658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary incontinence, defined as the complaint of any involuntary loss of urine, is a pathological condition, which affects 30% females and 15% males over 60, often following a progressive decrease of rhabdosphincter cells due to increasing age or secondary to damage to the pelvic floor musculature, connective tissue and/or nerves. Recently, stem cell therapy has been proposed as a source for cell replacement and for trophic support to the sphincter. To develop new therapeutic strategies for urinary incontinence, we studied the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and muscle cells in vitro; thereafter, aiming at a clinical usage, we analyzed the supporting role of MSCs for muscle cells in vitro and in in vivo xenotransplantation. MSCs can express markers of the myogenic cell lineages and give rise, under specific cell culture conditions, to myotube-like structures. Nevertheless, we failed to obtain mixed myotubes both in vitro and in vivo. For in vivo transplantation, we tested a new protocol to collect human MSCs from whole bone marrow, to get larger numbers of cells. MSCs, when transplanted into the pelvic muscles close to the external urethral sphincter, survived for a long time in absence of immunosuppression, and migrated into the muscle among fibers, and towards neuromuscular endplates. Moreover, they showed low levels of cycling cells, and did not infiltrate blood vessels. We never observed formation of cell masses suggestive of tumorigenesis. Those which remained close to the injection site showed an immature phenotype, whereas those in the muscle had more elongated morphologies. Therefore, MSCs are safe and can be easily transplanted without risk of side effects in the pelvic muscles. Further studies are needed to elucidate their integration into muscle fibers, and to promote their muscular transdifferentiation either before or after transplantation.
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21
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Lepski G. What do we know about the neurogenic potential of different stem cell types? ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2012; 70:540-6. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2012000700013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cell therapies, based on transplantation of immature cells, are being considered as a promising tool in the treatment of neurological disorders. Many efforts are being concentrated on the development of safe and effective stem cell lines. Nevertheless, the neurogenic potential of some cell lines, i.e., the ability to generate mature neurons either in vitro or in vivo, is largely unknown. Recent evidence indicate that this potential might be distinct among different cell lines, therefore limiting their broad use as replacement cells in the central nervous system. Here, we have reviewed the latest advancements regarding the electrophysiological maturation of stem cells, focusing our attention on fetal-derived-, embryonic-, and induced pluripotent stem cells. In summary, a large body of evidence supports the biological safety, high neurogenic potential, and in some diseases probable clinical efficiency related to fetal-derived cells. By contrast, reliable data regarding embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are still missing.
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22
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Garbossa D, Boido M, Fontanella M, Fronda C, Ducati A, Vercelli A. Recent therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury treatment: possible role of stem cells. Neurosurg Rev 2012; 35:293-311; discussion 311. [PMID: 22539011 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-012-0385-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in significant dysfunction and disability. A series of treatments have been proposed to prevent and overcome the formation of the glial scar and inhibitory factors to axon regrowth. In the last decade, cell therapy has emerged as a new tool for several diseases of the nervous system. Stem cells act as minipumps providing trophic and immunomodulatory factors to enhance axonal growth, to modulate the environment, and to reduce neuroinflammation. This capability can be boosted by genetical manipulation to deliver trophic molecules. Different types of stem cells have been tested, according to their properties and the therapeutic aims. They differ from each other for origin, developmental stage, stage of differentiation, and fate lineage. Related to this, stem cells differentiating into neurons could be used for cell replacement, even though the feasibility that stem cells after transplantation in the adult lesioned spinal cord can differentiate into neurons, integrate within neural circuits, and emit axons reaching the muscle is quite remote. The timing of cell therapy has been variable, and may be summarized in the acute and chronic phases of disease, when stem cells interact with a completely different environment. Even though further experimental studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action, the therapeutic, and the side effects of cell therapy, several clinical protocols have been tested or are under trial. Here, we report the state-of-the-art of cell therapy in SCI, in terms of feasibility, outcome, and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Garbossa
- Department of Neurosurgery, S. Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Torino, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Torino, Italy.
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23
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Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of paralysis, and involves multiple cellular and tissular responses including demyelination, inflammation, cell death and axonal degeneration. Recent evidence suggests that perturbation on the homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is observed in different SCI models; however, the functional contribution of this pathway to this pathology is not known. Here we demonstrate that SCI triggers a fast ER stress reaction (1–3 h) involving the upregulation of key components of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a process that propagates through the spinal cord. Ablation of X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) or activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) expression, two major UPR transcription factors, leads to a reduced locomotor recovery after experimental SCI. The effects of UPR inactivation were associated with a significant increase in the number of damaged axons and reduced amount of oligodendrocytes surrounding the injury zone. In addition, altered microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were observed in ATF4 deficient mice after SCI. Local expression of active XBP1 into the spinal cord using adeno-associated viruses enhanced locomotor recovery after SCI, and was associated with an increased number of oligodendrocytes. Altogether, our results demonstrate a functional role of the UPR in SCI, offering novel therapeutic targets to treat this invalidating condition.
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24
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Loske P, Boato F, Hendrix S, Piepgras J, Just I, Ahnert-Hilger G, Höltje M. Minimal essential length of Clostridium botulinum C3 peptides to enhance neuronal regenerative growth and connectivity in a non-enzymatic mode. J Neurochem 2012; 120:1084-96. [PMID: 22239108 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07657.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
C3 ADP-ribosyltransferase is a valuable tool to study Rho-dependent cellular processes. In the current study we investigated the impact of enzyme-deficient peptides derived from Clostridium botulinum C3 transferase in the context of neuronal process elongation and branching, synaptic connectivity, and putative beneficial effects on functional outcome following traumatic injury to the CNS. By screening a range of peptidic fragments, we identified three short peptides from C3bot that promoted axon and dendrite outgrowth in cultivated hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, one of these fragments, a 26-amino acid peptide covering the residues 156-181 enhanced synaptic connectivity in primary hippocampal culture. This peptide was also effective to foster axon outgrowth and re-innervation in organotypical brain slice culture. To evaluate the potential of the 26mer to foster repair mechanisms after CNS injury we applied this peptide to mice subjected to spinal cord injury by either compression impact or hemisection. A single local administration at the site of the lesion improved locomotor recovery. In addition, histological analysis revealed an increased serotonergic input to lumbar motoneurons in treated compared with control mice. Pull-down assays showed that lesion-induced up-regulation of RhoA activity within the spinal cord was largely blocked by C3bot peptides despite the lack of enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Loske
- Center for Anatomy, Functional Cell Biology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Gu W, Zhang F, Xue Q, Ma Z, Lu P, Yu B. Bone mesenchymal stromal cells stimulate neurite outgrowth of spinal neurons by secreting neurotrophic factors. Neurol Res 2012; 34:172-80. [PMID: 22333032 DOI: 10.1179/1743132811y.0000000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that bone mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) stimulate neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The present in vitro study tested the hypothesis that BMSCs stimulate the neurite outgrowth from spinal neurons by secreting neurotrophic factors. Spinal neurons were cocultured with BMSCs, fibroblasts and control medium in a non-contact system. Neurite outgrowth of spinal neurons cocultured with BMSCs was significantly greater than the neurite outgrowth observed in neurons cultured with control medium or with fibroblasts. In addition, BMSC-conditioned medium increased the length of neurites from spinal neurons compared to those of neurons cultured in the control medium or in the fibroblasts-conditioned medium. BMSCs expressed brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The concentrations of BDNF and GDNF in BMSC-conditioned medium were 132±12 and 70±6 pg ml(-1), respectively. The addition of anti-BDNF and anti-GDNF antibodies to BMSC-conditioned medium partially blocked the neurite-promoting effect of the BMSC-conditioned medium. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that BMSCs promote neurite outgrowth in spinal neurons by secreting soluble factors. The neurite-promoting effect of BMSCs is partially mediated by BDNF and GDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Gu
- Shanghai Minhang Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
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26
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Wilkinson AE, McCormick AM, Leipzig ND. Central Nervous System Tissue Engineering: Current Considerations and Strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.2200/s00390ed1v01y201111tis008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Boido M, Garbossa D, Vercelli A. Early graft of neural precursors in spinal cord compression reduces glial cyst and improves function. J Neurosurg Spine 2011; 15:97-106. [PMID: 21456892 DOI: 10.3171/2011.1.spine10607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in irreversible and permanent neurological deficits below the injury site and is considered a pathological state of functional damage to local neurons and axon fibers. There are several experimental treatments to minimize tissue damage, and recently cell transplantation has emerged as a promising approach in spinal cord repair. The authors undertook this study to evaluate grafting of neural tube precursors as a possible therapeutic strategy in a model of spinal cord compression in the mouse. METHODS Compression SCI was induced at the T-13 level in adult male mice. Immediately after injury, neural precursor cells (NPs) were transplanted into the SCI lesion cavity in 18 mice; the remaining 19 mice received saline injections into the lesion cavity and were used as controls. Spinal cords were examined 12, 19, and 26 days postinjury to investigate the survival of the NPs and their effects on the cellular environment, glial scar and glial cyst formation, astrogliosis, and microglial activation. RESULTS Grafted NPs survived well and integrated into the host spinal cord tissue. Some NPs had differentiated into cells expressing glial and neuronal markers at all 3 end points. Analysis of glial cyst volume showed a lesion volume reduction of 63.2% in the NP-treated mice compared with volume in the injured but untreated mice. There appeared to be no difference in astroglial and microglial activation between untreated mice and treated ones. Sensory and motor tests demonstrated that transplantation of NPs promoted improvement in injured and treated animals compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS These results support the therapeutic potential of NPs, demonstrating that they can survive for a long time, differentiate, integrate into the injured spinal cord, and promote functional recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Boido
- Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation, Neuroscience Institute of Turin, Italy.
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28
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Boato F, Hendrix S, Huelsenbeck SC, Hofmann F, Große G, Djalali S, Klimaschewski L, Auer M, Just I, Ahnert-Hilger G, Höltje M. C3 peptide enhances recovery from spinal cord injury by improved regenerative growth of descending fiber tracts. J Cell Sci 2010; 123:1652-62. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.066050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery and regeneration of corticospinal tract (CST) fibers following spinal cord injury by compression or dorsal hemisection in mice was monitored after application of the enzyme-deficient Clostridium botulinum C3-protein-derived 29-amino-acid fragment C3bot154-182. This peptide significantly improved locomotor restoration in both injury models as assessed by the open-field Basso Mouse Scale for locomotion test and Rotarod treadmill experiments. These data were supported by tracing studies showing an enhanced regenerative growth of CST fibers in treated animals as visualized by anterograde tracing. Additionally, C3bot154-182 stimulated regenerative growth of raphespinal fibers and improved serotonergic input to lumbar α-motoneurons. These in vivo data were confirmed by in vitro data, showing an enhanced axon outgrowth of α-motoneurons and hippocampal neurons cultivated on normal or growth-inhibitory substrates after application of C3bot154-182. The observed effects were probably caused by a non-enzymatic downregulation of active RhoA by the C3 peptide as indicated by pull-down experiments. By contrast, C3bot154-182 did not induce neurite outgrowth in primary cultures of dorsal root ganglion cells. In conclusion, C3bot154-182 represents a novel, promising tool to foster axonal protection and/or repair, as well as functional recovery after traumatic CNS injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Boato
- Center for Anatomy, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Center for Anatomy, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Morphology and BIOMED Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaangebouw A, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Stefanie C. Huelsenbeck
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Fred Hofmann
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gisela Große
- Center for Anatomy, Functional Cell Biology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susann Djalali
- Center for Anatomy, Functional Cell Biology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Klimaschewski
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Innsbruck Medical University, Müllerstraße 59, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maria Auer
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Innsbruck Medical University, Müllerstraße 59, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ingo Just
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gudrun Ahnert-Hilger
- Center for Anatomy, Functional Cell Biology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Höltje
- Center for Anatomy, Functional Cell Biology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
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Gorrie CA, Hayward I, Cameron N, Kailainathan G, Nandapalan N, Sutharsan R, Wang J, Mackay-Sim A, Waite PME. Effects of human OEC-derived cell transplants in rodent spinal cord contusion injury. Brain Res 2010; 1337:8-20. [PMID: 20399758 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Numerous reports indicate that rodent olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) assist in spinal cord repair and clinical trials have been undertaken using autologous transplantation of human olfactory ensheathing cells (hOECs) as a treatment for spinal cord injury. However, there are few studies investigating the efficacy of hOECs in animal models of spinal cord injury. In this study hOECs were derived from biopsies of human olfactory mucosa, purified by culture in a serum-free medium containing neurotrophin-3, genetically labelled with EGFP, and stored frozen. These hOEC-derived cells were thawed and transplanted into the spinal cord injury site 7 days after a moderate contusion injury of the spinal cord at thoracic level T10 in the athymic rat. Six weeks later the animals receiving the hOEC-derived transplants had greater functional improvement in their hindlimbs than controls, assessed using open field (BBB scale) and horizontal rung walking tests. Histological analysis demonstrated beneficial effects of hOEC-derived cell transplantation: reductions in the volume of the lesion and the cavities within the lesion. The transplanted cells were located at the periphery of the lesion where they integrated with GFAP-positive astrocytes resulting in a significant reduction of GFAP staining intensity adjacent to the lesion. Although their mechanism of action is unclear we conclude that hOEC-derived cell transplants improved functional recovery after transplantation into the contused spinal cord, probably by modulating inflammatory responses and reducing secondary damage to the cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Anne Gorrie
- Neural Injury Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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