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Li K, Chen Z, Chang X, Xue R, Wang H, Guo W. Wnt signaling pathway in spinal cord injury: from mechanisms to potential applications. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1427054. [PMID: 39114641 PMCID: PMC11303303 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1427054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) denotes damage to both the structure and function of the spinal cord, primarily manifesting as sensory and motor deficits caused by disruptions in neural transmission pathways, potentially culminating in irreversible paralysis. Its pathophysiological processes are complex, with numerous molecules and signaling pathways intricately involved. Notably, the pronounced upregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway post-SCI holds promise for neural regeneration and repair. Activation of the Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in neuronal differentiation, axonal regeneration, local neuroinflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for treating SCI. However, excessive activation of the Wnt pathway can also lead to negative effects, highlighting the need for further investigation into its applicability and significance in SCI. This paper provides an overview of the latest research advancements in the Wnt signaling pathway in SCI, summarizing the recent progress in treatment strategies associated with the Wnt pathway and analyzing their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, we offer insights into the clinical application of the Wnt signaling pathway in SCI, along with prospective avenues for future research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Huaibo Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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González-Fernández C, González P, Maqueda A, Pérez V, Rodríguez FJ. Enhancing motor functional recovery in spinal cord injury through pharmacological inhibition of Dickkopf-1 with BHQ880 antibody. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116792. [PMID: 38795645 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting experimental evidence has underscored the remarkable role played by the Wnt family of proteins in the spinal cord functioning and therapeutic potential in spinal cord injury (SCI). We aim to provide a therapeutic prospect associated with the modulation of canonical Wnt signaling, examining the spatio-temporal expression pattern of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) and its neutralization after SCI. We employ an intraparenchymal injection of the clinically validated Dkk1-blocking antibody, BHQ880, to elucidate its effects in SCI. METHODS A rat model of contusion SCI was used. Histological analyses were performed, wherein Dkk1 protein was sought, and ELISA analyses were employed for Dkk1 detection in cerebrospinal fluid and serum. To ascertain the BHQ880 therapeutic effect, rats were subjected to SCI and then injected with the antibody in the lesion epicenter 24 hours post-injury (hpi). Subsequent evaluation of motor functional recovery extended up to 56 days post-injury (dpi). qRT-PCR and histological analyses were conducted. RESULTS We demonstrate the presence of Dkk1 in the healthy rat spinal cord, with pronounced alterations observed following injury, primarily concentrated in the epicenter regions. Notably, a significative upregulation of Dkk1 was detected at 24 hpi, peaking at 3 dpi and remaining elevated until 42 dpi. Moreover, we revealed that early administration of BHQ880 considerably improved motor functional recovery, promoted preservation of myelinated tissue, and reduced astroglial and microglia/macrophage reactivity. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the acute expression of different inflammatory genes. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of BHQ880 treatment in the context of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos González-Fernández
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain.
| | - Pau González
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain; Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain
| | - Alfredo Maqueda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain; Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain
| | - Virginia Pérez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain; Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain; Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain.
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Qin D, Wang C, Li D, Guo S. Exosomal miR-23a-3p derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promotes remyelination in central nervous system demyelinating diseases by targeting Tbr1/Wnt pathway. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105487. [PMID: 37995941 PMCID: PMC10716775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells are present in the adult central nervous system, and their impaired ability to differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes can lead to demyelination in patients with multiple sclerosis, accompanied by neurological deficits and cognitive impairment. Exosomes, small vesicles released by cells, are known to facilitate intercellular communication by carrying bioactive molecules. In this study, we utilized exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs-Exos). We performed sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of exosome-treated cells to demonstrate that HUMSCs-Exos can stimulate myelin gene expression in oigodendrocyte precursor cells. Functional investigations revealed that HUMSCs-Exos activate the Pi3k/Akt pathway and regulate the Tbr1/Wnt signaling molecules through the transfer of miR-23a-3p, promoting oligodendrocytes differentiation and enhancing the expression of myelin-related proteins. In an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model, treatment with HUMSCs-Exos significantly improved neurological function and facilitated remyelination. This study provides cellular and molecular insights into the use of cell-free exosome therapy for central nervous system demyelination associated with multiple sclerosis, demonstrating its great potential for treating demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danqing Qin
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunjuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shougang Guo
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
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González P, González-Fernández C, Maqueda A, Pérez V, Escalera-Anzola S, Rodríguez de Lope Á, Arias FJ, Girotti A, Rodríguez FJ. Silk-Elastin-like Polymers for Acute Intraparenchymal Treatment of the Traumatically Injured Spinal Cord: A First Systematic Experimental Approach. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122713. [PMID: 36559207 PMCID: PMC9784492 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the promising potential of hydrogel-based therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury (SCI), the need for new biomaterials to design effective strategies for SCI treatment and the outstanding properties of silk-elastin-like polymers (SELP), the potential use of SELPs in SCI is currently unknown. In this context, we assessed the effects elicited by the in vivo acute intraparenchymal injection of an SELP named (EIS)2-RGD6 in a clinically relevant model of SCI. After optimization of the injection system, the distribution, structure, biodegradability, and cell infiltration capacity of (EIS)2-RGD6 were assessed. Finally, the effects exerted by the (EIS)2-RGD6 injection-in terms of motor function, myelin preservation, astroglial and microglia/macrophage reactivity, and fibrosis-were evaluated. We found that (EIS)2-RGD6 can be acutely injected in the lesioned spinal cord without inducing further damage, showing a widespread distribution covering all lesioned areas with a single injection and facilitating the formation of a slow-degrading porous scaffold at the lesion site that allows for the infiltration and/or proliferation of endogenous cells with no signs of collapse and without inducing further microglial and astroglial reactivity, as well as even reducing SCI-associated fibrosis. Altogether, these observations suggest that (EIS)2-RGD6-and, by extension, SELPs-could be promising polymers for the design of therapeutic strategies for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau González
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Alfredo Maqueda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Virginia Pérez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Sara Escalera-Anzola
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Javier Arias
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Girotti
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (F.J.R.)
| | - Francisco Javier Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (F.J.R.)
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Stoica SI, Onose G, Hoteteu M, Munteanu C. Effects of ethanol and deferoxamine on rat primary glial cell cultures, in regard with ischemia induced by traumatic spinal cord injury. BALNEO AND PRM RESEARCH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.12680/balneo.2022.502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although they have been regarded, in the past, as passive support cells, many experimental data have shown that glial cells play a critical role in the development and functioning of the nervous system. Despite the advances that have been made in understanding astrocytes' role in the nervous system's development and function, our knowledge of their interactions with other cells is still limited, albeit neurons are dependent on the trophic support provided by astrocytes release. Materials and Methods. The use of the McCarthy and de Vellis methods for isolating glial cells has been regarded as an essential tool for studying their function. This study aims to evaluate the effects of ethanol and deferoxamine on primary rat glial cell cultures and try to explain, as far as possible, the relevance of such effects for patients with chronic alcoholism and traumatic spinal cord injuries. Discussion. Because glial cells are very important in the functioning of the central nervous system and experiments cannot be performed on human primary nerve cell cultures, we performed an experiment on glial cells harvested from the newborn rat, analyzing the dynamics of IL-6 and TNF alpha on models of suffering in spinal cord injury (hypoxia and thermally stress). Conclusion. Inhibition of TNF alpha synthesis was more important at 7 days posttraumatic in cells with prolonged ethanolic exposure, even if protein levels of IL-6 were elevated (under similar experimental conditions). Thus, we can say that long-term exposure to ethanol of nerve cells can ensure a favorable evolution of medical recovery (by increasing TNF alpha), even if the inflammatory process remains active (shown by elevated IL-6 values).
Keywords: ethyl alcohol, deferoxamine, primary glial cells cultures, traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Isabelle Stoica
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" (UMPCD), Bucharest, Romania 2. Teaching Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni" (TEHBA), Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gelu Onose
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" (UMPCD), Bucharest, Romania 2. Teaching Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni" (TEHBA), Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihail Hoteteu
- Department of Research, Biosafety Ltd, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Munteanu
- Teaching Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni" (TEHBA), Bucharest, Romania 3. Department of Research, Biosafety Ltd, Bucharest, Romania 4. University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, Iași, Romania
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Characterization of Ex Vivo and In Vitro Wnt Transcriptome Induced by Spinal Cord Injury in Rat Microglial Cells. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060708. [PMID: 35741593 PMCID: PMC9221341 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that inflammation is crucial in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injuries, and that microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation. Therefore, the exploration of molecular signaling pathways that are involved in the microglia/macrophage response might help us to shed light on their eventual therapeutic modulation. Interestingly, there is growing evidence showing that the Wnt family of proteins is involved in different neuropathologies that are characterized by a dysregulated neuroinflammatory response, including spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we aimed to validate a methodology with competence to assess the physiologically relevant Wnt expression patterns of active microglia and MDMs in a rat model of SCI. For that purpose, we have selected and adapted an in vitro system of primary microglia culture that were stimulated with a lesioned spinal cord extract (SCE), together with an ex vivo protocol of flow cytometry sorting of rat microglia/MDMs at different time-points after contusive SCI. Our study demonstrates that the expression profile of Wnt-related genes in microglia/MDM cells exhibit important differences between these particular scenarios which would be in line with previous studies where similar discrepancies have been described for other molecules. Moreover, our results provide for a first experimental report of the Wnt transcriptome in rat microglia and MDMs after SCI which, together with the research platform that was used in the study, and considering its limitations, we expect might contribute to foster the research on Wnt-driven immunomodulatory therapies.
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González P, González-Fernández C, Javier Rodríguez F. Effects of Wnt5a overexpression in spinal cord injury. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:5150-5163. [PMID: 33939286 PMCID: PMC8178287 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accordingly to its known function in corticospinal tract (CST) developmental growth, previous reports have shown an inhibitory role of Wnt5a in CST regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Interestingly, it has been subsequently demonstrated that Wnt5a also modulates the developmental growth of non‐CST axons and that different Wnt5a receptors are expressed in neurons, oligodendrocytes, NG2+ glial precursors and reactive microglia/macrophages and astrocytes after SCI. However, the role of Wnt5a in the response of these cell types, in the regeneration of non‐CST axons and in functional recovery after SCI is currently unknown. To evaluate this, rats were subjected to spinal cord contusion and injected with a lentiviral vector generated to overexpress Wnt5a. Histological analyses were performed in spinal cord sections processed for the visualization of myelin, oligodendrocytes, neurons, microglia/macrophages, astrocytes, NG2+ glial precursors and serotonergic axons. Motor and bladder function recovery were also assessed. Further advancing our knowledge on the role of Wnt5a in SCI, we found that, besides its previously reported functions, Wnt5a overexpression elicits a reduction on neuronal cell density, the accumulation of NG2+ glial precursors and the descending serotonergic innervation in the affected areas, along with impairment of motor and bladder function recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau González
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Toledo, Spain
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