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Hao P, Yang Z, So KF, Li X. A core scientific problem in the treatment of central nervous system diseases: newborn neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2588-2601. [PMID: 38595278 PMCID: PMC11168522 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons. Yet over recent decades, numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system, including humans'. This has challenged the long-held scientific consensus that the number of adult neurons remains constant, and that new central nervous system neurons cannot be created or renewed. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury, and describe novel treatment strategies that target endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury. Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis, encompassing the activation, proliferation, ectopic migration, differentiation, and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells. Because of the unfavorable local microenvironment, most activated neural stem cells differentiate into glial cells rather than neurons. Consequently, the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing impaired neural function. Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies, including using neurotrophic factors, bioactive materials, and cell reprogramming techniques. Used alone or in combination, these therapeutic strategies can promote targeted migration of neural stem cells to an injured area, ensure their survival and differentiation into mature functional neurons, and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit. Thus can integration replenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury, by improving the local microenvironment. By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis, endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote effective regeneration of newborn neurons. This offers a novel approach for treating central nervous system injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology and State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
- Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
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2
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Fan J, Du X, Chen M, Xu Y, Xu J, Lu L, Zhou S, Kong X, Xu K, Zhang H. Critical role of checkpoint kinase 1 in spinal cord injury-induced motor dysfunction in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112521. [PMID: 38917519 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112521] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurotraumatic condition characterized by severe motor dysfunction and paralysis. Accumulating evidence suggests that DNA damage is involved in SCI pathology. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Although checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1)-regulated DNA damage is involved in critical cellular processes, its role in SCI regulation remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role and potential mechanism of Chk1 in SCI-induced motor dysfunction. Adult female C57BL/6J mice subjected to T9-T10 spinal cord contusions were used as models of SCI. Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, histomorphology, and Chk1 knockdown or overexpression achieved by adeno-associated virus were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Levels of p-Chk1 and γ-H2AX (a cellular DNA damage marker) were upregulated, while ferroptosis-related protein levels, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and x-CT were downregulated, in the spinal cord and hippocampal tissues of SCI mice. Functional experiments revealed increased Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) scores, indicating that Chk1 downregulation promoted motor function recovery after SCI, whereas Chk1 overexpression aggravated SCI-induced motor dysfunction. In addition, Chk1 downregulation reversed the SCI-increased levels of GPX4 and x-CT expression in the spinal cord and hippocampus, while immunoprecipitation assays revealed strengthened interactions between p-Chk1 and GPX4 in the spinal cord after SCI. Finally, Chk1 downregulation promoted while Chk1 overexpression inhibited NeuN cellular immunoactivity in the spinal cord after SCI, respectively. Collectively, these preliminary results imply that Chk1 is a novel regulator of SCI-induced motor dysfunction, and that interventions targeting Chk1 may represent promising therapeutic targets for neurotraumatic diseases such as SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junming Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Cixi People's Hospital, Institute of Cixi Biomedical Research, Wenzhou Medical University, Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315302, China
| | - Xiaotong Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Mengfan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Yun Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Jinyu Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Leilei Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Shaoyan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xiaoxia Kong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Cixi People's Hospital, Institute of Cixi Biomedical Research, Wenzhou Medical University, Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315302, China.
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Cixi People's Hospital, Institute of Cixi Biomedical Research, Wenzhou Medical University, Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315302, China.
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3
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Meng H, Huan Y, Zhang K, Yi X, Meng X, Kang E, Wu S, Deng W, Wang Y. Quiescent Adult Neural Stem Cells: Developmental Origin and Regulatory Mechanisms. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:1353-1363. [PMID: 38656419 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01206-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The existence of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult mammalian nervous system, although small in number and restricted to the sub-ventricular zone of the lateral ventricles, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and the olfactory epithelium, is a gift of evolution for the adaptive brain function which requires persistent plastic changes of these regions. It is known that most adult NSCs are latent, showing long cell cycles. In the past decade, the concept of quiescent NSCs (qNSCs) has been widely accepted by researchers in the field, and great progress has been made in the biology of qNSCs. Although the spontaneous neuronal regeneration derived from adult NSCs is not significant, understanding how the behaviors of qNSCs are regulated sheds light on stimulating endogenous NSC-based neuronal regeneration. In this review, we mainly focus on the recent progress of the developmental origin and regulatory mechanisms that maintain qNSCs under normal conditions, and that mobilize qNSCs under pathological conditions, hoping to give some insights for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Meng
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yu Huan
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xuyang Yi
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xinyu Meng
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- School of Life Science and Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering and Technological Research Center for Conversation and Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Enming Kang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Wenbing Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 510631, China.
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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4
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Alvi MA, Pedro KM, Quddusi AI, Fehlings MG. Advances and Challenges in Spinal Cord Injury Treatments. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4101. [PMID: 39064141 PMCID: PMC11278467 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that is associated with long-term physical and functional disability. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of SCI has evolved significantly over the past three decades. In parallel, significant advances have been made in optimizing the management of patients with SCI. Early surgical decompression, adequate bony decompression and expansile duraplasty are surgical strategies that may improve neurological and functional outcomes in patients with SCI. Furthermore, advances in the non-surgical management of SCI have been made, including optimization of hemodynamic management in the critical care setting. Several promising therapies have also been investigated in pre-clinical studies, with some being translated into clinical trials. Given the recent interest in advancing precision medicine, several investigations have been performed to delineate the role of imaging, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and serum biomarkers in predicting outcomes and curating individualized treatment plans for SCI patients. Finally, technological advancements in biomechanics and bioengineering have also found a role in SCI management in the form of neuromodulation and brain-computer interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ali Alvi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (M.A.A.); (K.M.P.); (A.I.Q.)
| | - Karlo M. Pedro
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (M.A.A.); (K.M.P.); (A.I.Q.)
- Department of Surgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Ayesha I. Quddusi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (M.A.A.); (K.M.P.); (A.I.Q.)
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; (M.A.A.); (K.M.P.); (A.I.Q.)
- Department of Surgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
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Ševc J, Mochnacký F, Košuth J, Alexovič Matiašová A, Slovinská L, Blaško J, Bukhun I, Holota R, Tomori Z, Daxnerová Z. Comparative model of minimal spinal cord injury reveals a rather anti-inflammatory response in the lesion site as well as increased proliferation in the central canal lining in the neonates compared to the adult rats. Dev Neurobiol 2024; 84:169-190. [PMID: 38812372 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) resulting from trauma decreases the quality of human life. Numerous clues indicate that the limited endogenous regenerative potential is a result of the interplay between the inhibitory nature of mature nervous tissue and the inflammatory actions of immune and glial cells. Knowledge gained from comparing regeneration in adult and juvenile animals could draw attention to factors that should be removed or added for effective therapy in adults. Therefore, we generated a minimal SCI (mSCI) model with a comparable impact on the spinal cord of Wistar rats during adulthood, preadolescence, and the neonatal period. The mechanism of injury is based on unilateral incision with a 20 ga needle tip according to stereotaxic coordinates into the dorsal horn of the L4 lumbar spinal segment. The incision should harm a similar amount of gray matter on a coronal section in each group of experimental animals. According to our results, the impact causes mild injury with minimal adverse effects on the neurological functions of animals but still has a remarkable effect on nervous tissue and its cellular and humoral components. Testing the mSCI model in adults, preadolescents, and neonates revealed a rather anti-inflammatory response of immune cells and astrocytes at the lesion site, as well as increased proliferation in the central canal lining in neonates compared with adult animals. Our results indicate that developing nervous tissue could possess superior reparative potential and confirm the importance of comparative studies to advance in the field of neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Ševc
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Filip Mochnacký
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Ján Košuth
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Anna Alexovič Matiašová
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Lucia Slovinská
- Faculty of Medicine, Associated Tissue Bank, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice and L. Pasteur University Hospital, Košice, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Juraj Blaško
- Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Ivan Bukhun
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Radovan Holota
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Zoltán Tomori
- Institute of Experimental Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Daxnerová
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biology and Ecology, P. J. Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
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6
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Li M, Wang X, Qi B, Cui S, Zheng T, Guan Y, Ma L, Liu S, Li Q, Chen Z, Jian F. Treatment of Syringomyelia Characterized by Focal Dilatation of the Central Canal Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Neural Stem Cells. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:625-639. [PMID: 38578425 PMCID: PMC11087409 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00637-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syringomyelia is a progressive chronic disease that leads to nerve pain, sensory dissociation, and dyskinesia. Symptoms often do not improve after surgery. Stem cells have been widely explored for the treatment of nervous system diseases due to their immunoregulatory and neural replacement abilities. METHODS In this study, we used a rat model of syringomyelia characterized by focal dilatation of the central canal to explore an effective transplantation scheme and evaluate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells and induced neural stem cells for the treatment of syringomyelia. RESULTS The results showed that cell transplantation could not only promote syrinx shrinkage but also stimulate the proliferation of ependymal cells, and the effect of this result was related to the transplantation location. These reactions appeared only when the cells were transplanted into the cavity. Additionally, we discovered that cell transplantation transformed activated microglia into the M2 phenotype. IGF1-expressing M2 microglia may play a significant role in the repair of nerve pain. CONCLUSION Cell transplantation can promote cavity shrinkage and regulate the local inflammatory environment. Moreover, the proliferation of ependymal cells may indicate the activation of endogenous stem cells, which is important for the regeneration and repair of spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Boling Qi
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Shengyu Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Tianqi Zheng
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Yunqian Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Longbing Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Sumei Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.
- Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China.
| | - Fengzeng Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery, China International Neuroscience Institute, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Research Center of Spine and Spinal Cord, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Guérout N. Combined Treatments and Therapies to Cure Spinal Cord Injury. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1095. [PMID: 38791057 PMCID: PMC11118184 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic injuries of the spinal cord (SCIs) are still pathologies with a disastrous outcome [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Guérout
- Saints Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR8003, 75006 Paris, France
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8
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Liu Z, Lai J, Kong D, Zhao Y, Zhao J, Dai J, Zhang M. Advances in electroactive bioscaffolds for repairing spinal cord injury. Biomed Mater 2024; 19:032005. [PMID: 38636508 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ad4079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder, leading to loss of motor or somatosensory function, which is the most challenging worldwide medical problem. Re-establishment of intact neural circuits is the basis of spinal cord regeneration. Considering the crucial role of electrical signals in the nervous system, electroactive bioscaffolds have been widely developed for SCI repair. They can produce conductive pathways and a pro-regenerative microenvironment at the lesion site similar to that of the natural spinal cord, leading to neuronal regeneration and axonal growth, and functionally reactivating the damaged neural circuits. In this review, we first demonstrate the pathophysiological characteristics induced by SCI. Then, the crucial role of electrical signals in SCI repair is introduced. Based on a comprehensive analysis of these characteristics, recent advances in the electroactive bioscaffolds for SCI repair are summarized, focusing on both the conductive bioscaffolds and piezoelectric bioscaffolds, used independently or in combination with external electronic stimulation. Finally, thoughts on challenges and opportunities that may shape the future of bioscaffolds in SCI repair are concluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Lai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiakang Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, People's Republic of China
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9
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Hosseini SM, Borys B, Karimi-Abdolrezaee S. Neural stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury repair: an update on recent preclinical and clinical advances. Brain 2024; 147:766-793. [PMID: 37975820 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a leading cause of lifelong disabilities. Permanent sensory, motor and autonomic impairments after SCI are substantially attributed to degeneration of spinal cord neurons and axons, and disintegration of neural network. To date, minimal regenerative treatments are available for SCI with an unmet need for new therapies to reconstruct the damaged spinal cord neuron-glia network and restore connectivity with the supraspinal pathways. Multipotent neural precursor cells (NPCs) have a unique capacity to generate neurons, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Due to this capacity, NPCs have been an attractive cell source for cellular therapies for SCI. Transplantation of NPCs has been extensively tested in preclinical models of SCI in the past two decades. These studies have identified opportunities and challenges associated with NPC therapies. While NPCs have the potential to promote neuroregeneration through various mechanisms, their low long-term survival and integration within the host injured spinal cord limit the functional benefits of NPC-based therapies for SCI. To address this challenge, combinatorial strategies have been developed to optimize the outcomes of NPC therapies by enriching SCI microenvironment through biomaterials, genetic and pharmacological therapies. In this review, we will provide an in-depth discussion on recent advances in preclinical NPC-based therapies for SCI. We will discuss modes of actions and mechanism by which engrafted NPCs contribute to the repair process and functional recovery. We will also provide an update on current clinical trials and new technologies that have facilitated preparation of medical-grade human NPCs suitable for transplantation in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Ben Borys
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Soheila Karimi-Abdolrezaee
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P4, Canada
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10
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Islam R, Ahlfors JE, Siu R, Noman H, Akbary R, Morshead CM. Inhibition of Apoptosis in a Model of Ischemic Stroke Leads to Enhanced Cell Survival, Endogenous Neural Precursor Cell Activation and Improved Functional Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1786. [PMID: 38339065 PMCID: PMC10855341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke results in neuronal cell death, which causes long-term disabilities in adults. Treatment options are limited and rely on a narrow window of opportunity. Apoptosis inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in improving neuronal cell survival in animal models of stroke. However, many inhibitors non-specifically target apoptosis pathways and high doses are needed for treatment. We explored the use of a novel caspase-3/7 inhibitor, New World Laboratories (NWL) 283, with a lower IC50 than current caspase-3/7 inhibitors. We performed in vitro and in vivo assays to determine the efficacy of NWL283 in modulating cell death in a preclinical model of stroke. In vitro and in vivo assays show that NWL283 enhances cell survival of neural precursor cells. Delivery of NWL283 following stroke enhances endogenous NPC migration and leads to increased neurogenesis in the stroke-injured cortex. Furthermore, acute NWL283 administration is neuroprotective at the stroke injury site, decreasing neuronal cell death and reducing microglia activation. Coincident with NWL283 delivery for 8 days, stroke-injured mice exhibited improved functional outcomes that persisted following cessation of the drug. Therefore, we propose that NWL283 is a promising therapeutic warranting further investigation to enhance stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehnuma Islam
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Jan-Eric Ahlfors
- New World Laboratories, 275 Boul. Armand-Frappier, Laval, QC H7V 4A7, Canada
| | - Ricky Siu
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Humna Noman
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Roya Akbary
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Cindi M. Morshead
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 149 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
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11
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Zhao Q, Ren YL, Zhu YJ, Huang RQ, Zhu RR, Cheng LM, Xie N. The origins and dynamic changes of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1276506. [PMID: 38188669 PMCID: PMC10766709 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1276506] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Accaumulating studies focus on the effects of C3-positive A1-like phenotypes and S100A10-positive A2-like phenotypes of reactive astrocytes on spinal cord injury (SCI), however the origins and dynamic changes of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after SCI remain poorly understood. Through transgenic mice and lineage tracing, we aimed to determine the origins of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes. Meanwhile, the distribution and dynamic changes in C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes were also detected in juvenile and adult SCI mice models and cultured astrocytes. Combing with bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bioinformatic analysis, we further explored the dynamic transcripts changes of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after SCI. We confirmed that resident astrocytes produced both C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes, whereas ependymal cells regenerated only S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes in lesion area. Importantly, C3-positive reactive astrocytes were predominantly activated in adult SCI mice, while S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes were hyperactivated in juvenile mice. Furthermore, we observed that C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes had a dynamic transformation process at different time in vitro and vivo, and a majority of intermediate states of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes were found during transformation. RNA-seq and scRNA-seq results further confirmed that the transcripts of C3-positive reactive astrocytes and their lipid toxicity were gradually increased with time and age. In contrast, S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes transcripts increased at early time and then gradually decreased after SCI. Our results provide insight into the origins and dynamic changes of C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after SCI, which would be valuable resources to further target C3- and S100A10-positive reactive astrocytes after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-long Ren
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-jing Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-qi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong-rong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-ming Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Xie
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Orthopaedic Department of Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Falco MV, Fabbiani G, Maciel C, Valdivia S, Vitureira N, Russo RE. P2X7 receptor activation awakes a dormant stem cell niche in the adult spinal cord. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1288676. [PMID: 38164435 PMCID: PMC10757934 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1288676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The ependyma of the spinal cord is a latent stem cell niche that is reactivated by injury, generating new cells that migrate to the lesion site to limit the damage. The mechanisms by which ependymal cells are reactivated after injury remain poorly understood. ATP has been proposed to act as a diffusible "danger signal" to alert about damage and start repair. Indeed, spinal cord injury (SCI) generates an increase in extracellular ATP around the lesion epicenter that lasts for several hours and affects the functional outcome after the damage. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7r) has functional properties (e.g., low sensitivity for ATP, high permeability for Ca2+) that makes it a suitable candidate to act as a detector of tissue damage. Because ependymal cells express functional P2X7r that generate an inward current and regenerative Ca2+ waves, we hypothesize that the P2X7r has a main role in the mechanisms by which progenitor-like cells in the ependyma react to tissue damage. To test this possibility, we simulated the P2X7r activation that occurs after SCI by in vivo intraspinal injection of the selective agonist BzATP nearby the central canal. We found that BzATP rescued ependymal cells from quiescence by triggering a proliferative response similar to that generated by injury. In addition, P2X7r activation by BzATP induced a shift of ependymal cells to a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) phenotype similar to that induced by injury. However, P2X7r activation did not trigger the migration of ependyma-derived cells as occurs after tissue damage. Injection of BzATP induced the expression of connexin 26 (Cx26) in ependymal cells, an event needed for the proliferative reaction after injury. BzATP did not induce these changes in ependymal cells of P2X7-/- mice supporting a specific action on P2X7r. In vivo blockade of P2X7r with the potent antagonist AZ10606120 reduced significantly the injury-induced proliferation of ependymal cells. Our data indicate that P2X7r has a key role in the "awakening" of the ependymal stem cell niche after injury and suggest purinergic signaling is an interesting target to improve the contribution of endogenous progenitors to repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Falco
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriela Fabbiani
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Maciel
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Spring Valdivia
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Nathalia Vitureira
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Raúl E. Russo
- Departamento de Neurofisiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay
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13
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Zhu B, Gu G, Ren J, Song X, Li J, Wang C, Zhang W, Huo Y, Wang H, Jin L, Feng S, Wei Z. Schwann Cell-Derived Exosomes and Methylprednisolone Composite Patch for Spinal Cord Injury Repair. ACS NANO 2023; 17:22928-22943. [PMID: 37948097 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause permanent loss of sensory and motor function, and there is no effective clinical treatment, to date. Due to the complex pathological process involved after injury, synergistic treatments are very urgently needed in clinical practice. We designed a nanofiber scaffold hyaluronic acid hydrogel patch to release both exosomes and methylprednisolone to the injured spinal cord in a non-invasive manner. This composite patch showed good biocompatibility in the stabilization of exosome morphology and toxicity to nerve cells. Meanwhile, the composite patch increased the proportion of M2-type macrophages and reduced neuronal apoptosis in an in vitro study. In vivo, the functional and electrophysiological performance of rats with SCI was significantly improved when the composite patch covered the surface of the hematoma. The composite patch inhibited the inflammatory response through macrophage polarization from M1 type to M2 type and increased the survival of neurons by inhibition neuronal of apoptosis after SCI. The therapeutic effects of this composite patch can be attributed to TLR4/NF-κB, MAPK, and Akt/mTOR pathways. Thus, the composite patch provides a medicine-exosomes dual-release system and may provide a non-invasive method for clinical treatment for individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhu
- National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Guangjin Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Jie Ren
- National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xiaomeng Song
- National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Junjin Li
- National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Wencan Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Yanqing Huo
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Lin Jin
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Biomedical Nanomaterials of Henan, Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, Henan 466001, China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Zhijian Wei
- National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
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14
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Mich JK, Sunil S, Johansen N, Martinez RA, Leytze M, Gore BB, Mahoney JT, Ben-Simon Y, Bishaw Y, Brouner K, Campos J, Canfield R, Casper T, Dee N, Egdorf T, Gary A, Gibson S, Goldy J, Groce EL, Hirschstein D, Loftus L, Lusk N, Malone J, Martin NX, Monet D, Omstead V, Opitz-Araya X, Oster A, Pom CA, Potekhina L, Reding M, Rimorin C, Ruiz A, Sedeño-Cortés AE, Shapovalova NV, Taormina M, Taskin N, Tieu M, Valera Cuevas NJ, Weed N, Way S, Yao Z, McMillen DA, Kunst M, McGraw M, Thyagarajan B, Waters J, Bakken TE, Yao S, Smith KA, Svoboda K, Podgorski K, Kojima Y, Horwitz GD, Zeng H, Daigle TL, Lein ES, Tasic B, Ting JT, Levi BP. Enhancer-AAVs allow genetic access to oligodendrocytes and diverse populations of astrocytes across species. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.20.558718. [PMID: 37790503 PMCID: PMC10542530 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.20.558718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Proper brain function requires the assembly and function of diverse populations of neurons and glia. Single cell gene expression studies have mostly focused on characterization of neuronal cell diversity; however, recent studies have revealed substantial diversity of glial cells, particularly astrocytes. To better understand glial cell types and their roles in neurobiology, we built a new suite of adeno-associated viral (AAV)-based genetic tools to enable genetic access to astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. These oligodendrocyte and astrocyte enhancer-AAVs are highly specific (usually > 95% cell type specificity) with variable expression levels, and our astrocyte enhancer-AAVs show multiple distinct expression patterns reflecting the spatial distribution of astrocyte cell types. To provide the best glial-specific functional tools, several enhancer-AAVs were: optimized for higher expression levels, shown to be functional and specific in rat and macaque, shown to maintain specific activity in epilepsy where traditional promoters changed activity, and used to drive functional transgenes in astrocytes including Cre recombinase and acetylcholine-responsive sensor iAChSnFR. The astrocyte-specific iAChSnFR revealed a clear reward-dependent acetylcholine response in astrocytes of the nucleus accumbens during reinforcement learning. Together, this collection of glial enhancer-AAVs will enable characterization of astrocyte and oligodendrocyte populations and their roles across species, disease states, and behavioral epochs.
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15
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Yue WWS, Touhara KK, Toma K, Duan X, Julius D. Endogenous Opioid Signaling Regulates Proliferation of Spinal Cord Ependymal Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.07.556726. [PMID: 38883735 PMCID: PMC11178014 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.07.556726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
After injury, mammalian spinal cords develop scars to seal off the damaged area and prevent further injury. However, excessive scarring can hinder neural regeneration and functional recovery (1, 2). These competing actions underscore the importance of developing therapeutic strategies to dynamically modulate the extent of scar formation. Previous research on scar formation has primarily focused on the role of astrocytes, but recent evidence suggests that ependymal cells also participate. Ependymal cells normally form the epithelial layer encasing the central canal, but they undergo massive proliferation and differentiation into astroglia following certain types of injury, becoming a core component of scars (3-7). However, the mechanisms regulating ependymal proliferation in vivo in both healthy and injured conditions remain unclear. Here, we uncover an intercellular kappa (κ) opioid signaling pathway that controls endogenous ependymal proliferation. Specifically, we detect expression of the κ opioid receptor, OPRK1, in a functionally under-characterized cell type called cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons (CSF-cNs). We also discover a neighboring cell population that express the cognate ligand, prodynorphin (PDYN). Importantly, OPRK1 activation excites CSF-cNs, and systemic administration of a κ antagonist enhances ependymal proliferation in uninjured spinal cords in a CSF-cN-dependent manner. Moreover, injecting a κ agonist reduces the proliferation induced by dorsal hemisection. Altogether, our data suggest a regulatory mechanism whereby PDYN + cells tonically release κ opioids to stimulate CSF-cNs, which in turn suppress ependymal proliferation. This endogenous pathway provides a mechanistic basis for the potential use of κ opiates in modulating scar formation and treating spinal cord injuries.
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16
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Punjani N, Deska-Gauthier D, Hachem LD, Abramian M, Fehlings MG. Neuroplasticity and regeneration after spinal cord injury. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2023; 15:100235. [PMID: 37416090 PMCID: PMC10320621 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition with significant personal, societal, and economic burden. The highest proportion of traumatic injuries occur at the cervical level, which results in severe sensorimotor and autonomic deficits. Following the initial physical damage associated with traumatic injuries, secondary pro-inflammatory, excitotoxic, and ischemic cascades are initiated further contributing to neuronal and glial cell death. Additionally, emerging evidence has begun to reveal that spinal interneurons undergo subtype specific neuroplastic circuit rearrangements in the weeks to months following SCI, contributing to or hindering functional recovery. The current therapeutic guidelines and standards of care for SCI patients include early surgery, hemodynamic regulation, and rehabilitation. Additionally, preclinical work and ongoing clinical trials have begun exploring neuroregenerative strategies utilizing endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells, stem cell transplantation, combinatorial approaches, and direct cell reprogramming. This review will focus on emerging cellular and noncellular regenerative therapies with an overview of the current available strategies, the role of interneurons in plasticity, and the exciting research avenues enhancing tissue repair following SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayaab Punjani
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dylan Deska-Gauthier
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laureen D. Hachem
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madlene Abramian
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Ou YC, Huang CC, Kao YL, Ho PC, Tsai KJ. Stem Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:1691-1708. [PMID: 37115409 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10547-9] [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] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that enormously affects an individual's health and quality of life. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is one of the most important sequelae induced by SCI, causing complications including urinary tract infection, renal function deterioration, urinary incontinence, and voiding dysfunction. Current therapeutic methods for SCI-induced NLUTD mainly target on the urinary bladder, but the outcomes are still far from satisfactory. Stem cell therapy has gained increasing attention for years for its ability to rescue the injured spinal cord directly. Stem cell differentiation and their paracrine effects, including exosomes, are the proposed mechanisms to enhance the recovery from SCI. Several animal studies have demonstrated improvement in bladder function using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural stem cells (NSCs). Human clinical trials also provide promising results in urodynamic parameters after MSC therapy. However, there is still uncertainty about the ideal treatment window and application protocol for stem cell therapy. Besides, data on the therapeutic effects regarding NSCs and stem cell-derived exosomes in SCI-related NLUTD are scarce. Therefore, there is a pressing need for further well-designed human clinical trials to translate the stem cell therapy into a formal therapeutic option for SCI-induced NLUTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Chien Ou
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chen Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Lin Kao
- Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chuan Ho
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Jer Tsai
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan, 701, Taiwan.
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital , College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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18
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Zeng X, Wei QS, Ye JC, Rao JH, Zheng MG, Ma YH, Peng LZ, Ding Y, Lai BQ, Li G, Cheng SX, Ling EA, Han I, Zeng YS. A biocompatible gelatin sponge scaffold confers robust tissue remodeling after spinal cord injury in a non-human primate model. Biomaterials 2023; 299:122161. [PMID: 37236138 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We previously constructed a three-dimensional gelatin sponge (3D-GS) scaffold as a delivery vehicle for therapeutic cells and trophic factors in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), and this study aimed to assess the biosafety and efficacy of the scaffold in a non-human primate SCI model. However, because it has only been tested in rodent and canine models, the biosafety and efficacy of the scaffold should ideally be assessed in a non-human primate SCI model before its use in the clinic. No adverse reactions were observed over 8 weeks following 3D-GS scaffold implantation into in a Macaca fascicularis with hemisected SCI. Scaffold implantation also did not add to neuroinflammatory or astroglial responses already present at the injured site, suggesting good biocompatibility. Notably, there was a significant reduction in α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive cells at the injury/implantation interface, leading to alleviation of fibrotic compression of the residual spinal cord tissue. The regenerating tissue in the scaffold showed numerous cells migrating into the implant secreting abundant extracellular matrix, resulting in a pro-regenerative microenvironment. Consequently, nerve fiber regeneration, myelination, vascularization, neurogenesis, and electrophysiological improvements were achieved. These results indicated that the 3D-GS scaffold had good histocompatibility and effectiveness in the structural repair of injured spinal cord tissue in a non-human primate and is suitable for use in the treatment of patients with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Lab of Stem Cell Biology and Innovative Research of Chinese Medicine; National Institute for Stem Cell Clinical Research, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine/The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China; Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qing-Shuai Wei
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ji-Chao Ye
- Department of Spine Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China; Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jun-Hua Rao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Mei-Guang Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yuan-Huan Ma
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Li-Zhi Peng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bi-Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ge Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shi-Xiang Cheng
- Healthina Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (HAB-TEDA) and XinCheng Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, 301999, China
| | - Eng-Ang Ling
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Inbo Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, CHA University, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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19
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Rodriguez-Jimenez FJ, Jendelova P, Erceg S. The activation of dormant ependymal cells following spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:175. [PMID: 37408068 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03395-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ependymal cells, a dormant population of ciliated progenitors found within the central canal of the spinal cord, undergo significant alterations after spinal cord injury (SCI). Understanding the molecular events that induce ependymal cell activation after SCI represents the first step toward controlling the response of the endogenous regenerative machinery in damaged tissues. This response involves the activation of specific signaling pathways in the spinal cord that promotes self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. We review our current understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular events that mediate the SCI-induced activation of ependymal cells by focusing on the roles of some cell adhesion molecules, cellular membrane receptors, ion channels (and their crosstalk), and transcription factors. An orchestrated response regulating the expression of receptors and ion channels fine-tunes and coordinates the activation of ependymal cells after SCI or cell transplantation. Understanding the major players in the activation of ependymal cells may help us to understand whether these cells represent a critical source of cells contributing to cellular replacement and tissue regeneration after SCI. A more complete understanding of the role and function of individual signaling pathways in endogenous spinal cord progenitors may foster the development of novel targeted therapies to induce the regeneration of the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
- National Stem Cell Bank - Valencia Node, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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20
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Hu X, Xu W, Ren Y, Wang Z, He X, Huang R, Ma B, Zhao J, Zhu R, Cheng L. Spinal cord injury: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:245. [PMID: 37357239 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a severe condition with an extremely high disability rate. The challenges of SCI repair include its complex pathological mechanisms and the difficulties of neural regeneration in the central nervous system. In the past few decades, researchers have attempted to completely elucidate the pathological mechanism of SCI and identify effective strategies to promote axon regeneration and neural circuit remodeling, but the results have not been ideal. Recently, new pathological mechanisms of SCI, especially the interactions between immune and neural cell responses, have been revealed by single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis. With the development of bioactive materials and stem cells, more attention has been focused on forming intermediate neural networks to promote neural regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction than on promoting axonal regeneration in the corticospinal tract. Furthermore, technologies to control physical parameters such as electricity, magnetism and ultrasound have been constantly innovated and applied in neural cell fate regulation. Among these advanced novel strategies and technologies, stem cell therapy, biomaterial transplantation, and electromagnetic stimulation have entered into the stage of clinical trials, and some of them have already been applied in clinical treatment. In this review, we outline the overall epidemiology and pathophysiology of SCI, expound on the latest research progress related to neural regeneration and circuit reconstruction in detail, and propose future directions for SCI repair and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Hu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilong Ren
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaojie Wang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolie He
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Runzhi Huang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Ma
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwei Zhao
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Zhu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liming Cheng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, 200065, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Center For Brain And Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, 200065, Shanghai, China.
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21
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Ripoll C, Poulen G, Chevreau R, Lonjon N, Vachiery-Lahaye F, Bauchet L, Hugnot JP. Persistence of FoxJ1 + Pax6 + Sox2 + ependymal cells throughout life in the human spinal cord. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:181. [PMID: 37329342 PMCID: PMC11072198 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04811-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Ependymal cells lining the central canal of the spinal cord play a crucial role in providing a physical barrier and in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. These cells express the FOXJ1 and SOX2 transcription factors in mice and are derived from various neural tube populations, including embryonic roof and floor plate cells. They exhibit a dorsal-ventral expression pattern of spinal cord developmental transcription factors (such as MSX1, PAX6, ARX, and FOXA2), resembling an embryonic-like organization. Although this ependymal region is present in young humans, it appears to be lost with age. To re-examine this issue, we collected 17 fresh spinal cords from organ donors aged 37-83 years and performed immunohistochemistry on lightly fixed tissues. We observed cells expressing FOXJ1 in the central region in all cases, which co-expressed SOX2 and PAX6 as well as RFX2 and ARL13B, two proteins involved in ciliogenesis and cilia-mediated sonic hedgehog signaling, respectively. Half of the cases exhibited a lumen and some presented portions of the spinal cord with closed and open central canals. Co-staining of FOXJ1 with other neurodevelopmental transcription factors (ARX, FOXA2, MSX1) and NESTIN revealed heterogeneity of the ependymal cells. Interestingly, three donors aged > 75 years exhibited a fetal-like regionalization of neurodevelopmental transcription factors, with dorsal and ventral ependymal cells expressing MSX1, ARX, and FOXA2. These results provide new evidence for the persistence of ependymal cells expressing neurodevelopmental genes throughout human life and highlight the importance of further investigation of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Ripoll
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34091, Montpellier, France
| | - Gaetan Poulen
- Neurosurgery Department, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Robert Chevreau
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34091, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Lonjon
- Neurosurgery Department, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence Vachiery-Lahaye
- Department of Donation and Transplantation, Coordination Unit, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Luc Bauchet
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34091, Montpellier, France
- Neurosurgery Department, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Hugnot
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34091, Montpellier, France.
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22
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Gilbert EAB, Livingston J, Garcia-Flores E, Kehtari T, Morshead CM. Metformin Improves Functional Outcomes, Activates Neural Precursor Cells, and Modulates Microglia in a Sex-Dependent Manner After Spinal Cord Injury. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023:7174953. [PMID: 37209417 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in devastating patient outcomes with few treatment options. A promising approach to improve outcomes following SCI involves the activation of endogenous precursor populations including neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) which are located in the periventricular zone (PVZ), and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) found throughout the parenchyma. In the adult spinal cord, resident NSPCs are primarily mitotically quiescent and aneurogenic, while OPCs contribute to ongoing oligodendrogenesis into adulthood. Each of these populations is responsive to SCI, increasing their proliferation and migration to the site of injury; however, their activation is not sufficient to support functional recovery. Previous work has shown that administration of the FDA-approved drug metformin is effective at promoting endogenous brain repair following injury, and this is correlated with enhanced NSPC activation. Here, we ask whether metformin can promote functional recovery and neural repair following SCI in both males and females. Our results reveal that acute, but not delayed metformin administration improves functional outcomes following SCI in both sexes. The functional improvement is concomitant with OPC activation and oligodendrogenesis. Our data also reveal sex-dependent effects of metformin following SCI with increased activation of NSPCs in females and reduced microglia activation in males. Taken together, these findings support metformin as a viable therapeutic strategy following SCI and highlight its pleiotropic effects in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A B Gilbert
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Livingston
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emilio Garcia-Flores
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tarlan Kehtari
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cindi M Morshead
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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23
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Farahzadi R, Valipour B, Montazersaheb S, Fathi E. Targeting the stem cell niche micro-environment as therapeutic strategies in aging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1162136. [PMID: 37274742 PMCID: PMC10235764 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1162136] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells (ASCs) reside throughout the body and support various tissue. Owing to their self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential, ASCs have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine. Their survival, quiescence, and activation are influenced by specific signals within their microenvironment or niche. In better words, the stem cell function is significantly influenced by various extrinsic signals derived from the niche. The stem cell niche is a complex and dynamic network surrounding stem cells that plays a crucial role in maintaining stemness. Studies on stem cell niche have suggested that aged niche contributes to the decline in stem cell function. Notably, functional loss of stem cells is highly associated with aging and age-related disorders. The stem cell niche is comprised of complex interactions between multiple cell types. Over the years, essential aspects of the stem cell niche have been revealed, including cell-cell contact, extracellular matrix interaction, soluble signaling factors, and biochemical and biophysical signals. Any alteration in the stem cell niche causes cell damage and affects the regenerative properties of the stem cells. A pristine stem cell niche might be essential for the proper functioning of stem cells and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In this regard, niche-targeted interventions may alleviate problems associated with aging in stem cell behavior. The purpose of this perspective is to discuss recent findings in the field of stem cell aging, heterogeneity of stem cell niches, and impact of age-related changes on stem cell behavior. We further focused on how the niche affects stem cells in homeostasis, aging, and the progression of malignant diseases. Finally, we detail the therapeutic strategies for tissue repair, with a particular emphasis on aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Farahzadi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behnaz Valipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ezzatollah Fathi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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24
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Inhibition of Neural Stem Cell Necroptosis Mediated by RIPK1/MLKL Promotes Functional Recovery After SCI. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2135-2149. [PMID: 36602703 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous neural stem cells (eNSCs) are a new therapeutic strategy for the noninvasive repair of spinal cord injury (SCI). Necroptosis is a necrosome-dependent cell death process that serves as a significant regulatory mechanism in SCI. Current research shows that neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes all undergo necroptosis after SCI. However, it is unclear whether eNSCs are associated with necroptosis after SCI. By performing immunofluorescence analysis, we found that eNSCs undergo necroptosis during spinal cord injury repair in mice. Our present work demonstrates that receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) are involved in necroptosis pathway in SCI mice. In vitro, the necroptosis induced by TNF-α/Smac-mimetic/Z-VAD-FMK (TSZ) treatment regulates phenotype of NSCs. In detail, the proliferative capacity of NSCs was significantly decreased in the presence of continual TSZ treatment, and the transcription of proinflammatory genes was upregulated, while the transcription of neurotrophic factors was inhibited. NSCs exhibited an obvious tendency to differentiate into glial cells under short-duration TSZ stimulation (6 h and 12 h); as the stimulus duration increased (24 h), the differentiation ability of the NSCs was significantly inhibited. These phenotypic changes are not conducive to neural cell survival and neural repair. Moreover, we examined the effect of necroptosis inhibitors on TSZ-treated NSCs. Necrostatin-1 and necrosulfonamide significantly reduced the necroptosis of NSCs after TSZ treatment and improved the phenotypic function of NSCs under TSZ stimulation. In additional in vivo experiments, after 2 weeks of administration, the necroptosis inhibitors reduced the necroptosis of NSCs and improved functional recovery in SCI mice. Taken together, these data indicate that the inhibition of NSC necroptosis with necroptosis inhibitors facilitates survival and phenotype maintenance in vitro and contributes to neuroprotection and repair in vivo. Our findings suggest that blocking necroptosis of eNSCs may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating SCI.
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25
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Yu H, Yang S, Li H, Wu R, Lai B, Zheng Q. Activating Endogenous Neurogenesis for Spinal Cord Injury Repair: Recent Advances and Future Prospects. Neurospine 2023; 20:164-180. [PMID: 37016865 PMCID: PMC10080446 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2245184.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), endogenous neural stem cells are activated and migrate to the injury site where they differentiate into astrocytes, but they rarely differentiate into neurons. It is difficult for brain-derived information to be transmitted through the injury site after SCI because of the lack of neurons that can relay neural information through the injury site, and the functional recovery of adult mammals is difficult to achieve. The development of bioactive materials, tissue engineering, stem cell therapy, and physiotherapy has provided new strategies for the treatment of SCI and shown broad application prospects, such as promoting endogenous neurogenesis after SCI. In this review, we focus on novel approaches including tissue engineering, stem cell technology, and physiotherapy to promote endogenous neurogenesis and their therapeutic effects on SCI. Moreover, we explore the mechanisms and challenges of endogenous neurogenesis for the repair of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shangbin Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Rongjie Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Biqin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- Co-corresponding Author Biqin Lai Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiujian Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Corresponding Author Qiujian Zheng Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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26
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Hachem LD, Hong J, Velumian A, Mothe AJ, Tator CH, Fehlings MG. Excitotoxic glutamate levels drive spinal cord ependymal stem cell proliferation and fate specification through CP-AMPAR signaling. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:672-687. [PMID: 36764296 PMCID: PMC10031285 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.01.005] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The adult spinal cord contains a population of ependymal-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (epNSPCs) that are normally quiescent, but are activated to proliferate, differentiate, and migrate after spinal cord injury. The mechanisms that regulate their response to injury cues, however, remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that excitotoxic levels of glutamate promote the proliferation and astrocytic fate specification of adult spinal cord epNSPCs. We show that glutamate-mediated calcium influx through calcium-permeable alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors (CP-AMPARs) in concert with Notch signaling increases the proliferation of epNSPCs via pCREB, and induces astrocytic differentiation through Hes1 upregulation. Furthermore, the in vivo targeting of this pathway via positive modulation of AMPARs after spinal cord injury enhances epNSPC proliferation, astrogliogenesis, neurotrophic factor production and increases neuronal survival. Our study uncovers an important mechanism by which CP-AMPARs regulate the growth and phenotype of epNSPCs, which can be targeted therapeutically to harness the regenerative potential of these cells after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureen D Hachem
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - James Hong
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Alexander Velumian
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Andrea J Mothe
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Charles H Tator
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
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27
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Current Advancements in Spinal Cord Injury Research—Glial Scar Formation and Neural Regeneration. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060853. [PMID: 36980193 PMCID: PMC10046908 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury resulting in permanent and degenerating damage to the central nervous system (CNS). Detrimental cellular processes occur after SCI, including axonal degeneration, neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, reactive gliosis, and scar formation. The glial scar border forms to segregate the neural lesion and isolate spreading inflammation, reactive oxygen species, and excitotoxicity at the injury epicenter to preserve surrounding healthy tissue. The scar border is a physicochemical barrier composed of elongated astrocytes, fibroblasts, and microglia secreting chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, collogen, and the dense extra-cellular matrix. While this physiological response preserves viable neural tissue, it is also detrimental to regeneration. To overcome negative outcomes associated with scar formation, therapeutic strategies have been developed: the prevention of scar formation, the resolution of the developed scar, cell transplantation into the lesion, and endogenous cell reprogramming. This review focuses on cellular/molecular aspects of glial scar formation, and discusses advantages and disadvantages of strategies to promote regeneration after SCI.
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28
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Su QS, Zhuang DL, Nasser MI, Sai X, Deng G, Li G, Zhu P. Stem Cell Therapies for Restorative Treatments of Central Nervous System Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:491-510. [PMID: 35129759 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01204-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic damage to the central nervous system (CNS) is a catastrophic postoperative complication of aortic occlusion subsequent to cardiovascular surgery that can cause brain impairment and sometimes even paraplegia. Over recent years, numerous studies have investigated techniques for protecting and revascularizing the nervous system during intraoperative ischemia; however, owing to a lack of knowledge of the physiological distinctions between the brain and spinal cord, as well as the limited availability of testing techniques and treatments for ischemia-reperfusion injury, the cause of brain and spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury remains poorly understood, and no adequate response steps are currently available in the clinic. Given the limited ability of the CNS to repair itself, it is of great clinical value to make full use of the proliferative and differentiation potential of stem cells to repair nerves in degenerated and necrotic regions by stem cell transplantation or mobilization, thereby introducing a novel concept for the treatment of severe CNS ischemia-reperfusion injury. This review summarizes the most recent advances in stem cell therapy for ischemia-reperfusion injury in the brain and spinal cord, aiming to advance basic research and the clinical use of stem cell therapy as a promising treatment for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Song Su
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China.,School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong-Lin Zhuang
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China.,College of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China
| | - Moussa Ide Nasser
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiyalatu Sai
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao City, 028000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Gang Deng
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China.,School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Ge Li
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China. .,School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ping Zhu
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China. .,School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China. .,College of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, Guangdong, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Structural Heart Disease, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China. .,The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China. .,Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao City, 028000, Inner Mongolia, China.
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29
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Wang J, Xu L, Peng D, Zhu Y, Gu Z, Yao Y, Li H, Cao X, Fu CY, Zheng M, Song X, Ding Y, Shen Y, Zhong J, Chen YY, Hu J, Wang LL. IFN-γ-STAT1-mediated CD8 + T-cell-neural stem cell cross talk controls astrogliogenesis after spinal cord injury. Inflamm Regen 2023; 43:12. [PMID: 36782279 PMCID: PMC9926765 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-023-00263-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes nearly all patients to suffer from protracted disabilities. An emerging therapeutic strategy involving the recruitment of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) has been developed. However, endogenous NSCs in the adult spinal cord differentiate into mostly astrocytes after traumatic injury, forming glial scars, which is a major cause of regeneration failure in SCI. Thus, understanding which factors drive the activation and differentiation of endogenous NSCs after SCI is critical for developing therapeutic drugs. METHODS The infiltration, state, and location of CD8+ T cells in spinal cord after traumatic injury were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) scores and rotarod testing were used for motor behavioral analysis. NSCs were co-cultured with CD8+ T cells. EdU assay was used to detect proliferative cells. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression levels of STAT1, p-STAT1, and p27. ChIP-seq and ChIP-qRT-PCR analyses were used to detect the downstream of STAT1. Nestin-CreERT2::Ai9 transgenic mice were used to genetic lineage tracing of Nestin+ NSCs after SCI in vivo. RESULTS A prolonged increase of activated CD8+ T cells occurs in the injured spinal cords. The behavioral analysis demonstrated that the administration of an anti-CD8 antibody promotes the recovery of locomotor function. Then, we discovered that CD8+ T cells suppressed the proliferation of NSCs and promoted the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes by the IFN-γ-STAT1 pathway in vitro. ChIP-seq and ChIP-qRT-PCR analysis revealed that STAT1 could directly bind to the promoters of astrocyte marker genes GFAP and Aldh1l1. Genetic lineage tracing of Nestin+ NSCs demonstrated that most NSCs differentiated into astrocytes following SCI. Depleting CD8+ T cells reduced the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes and instead promoted the differentiation of NSCs into oligodendrocytes. CONCLUSION In conclusion, CD8+ T cells suppressed the proliferation of NSCs and promoted the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes by the IFN-γ-STAT1-GFAP/Aldhl1l axis. Our study identifies INF-γ as a critical mediator of CD8+ T-cell-NSC cross talk and a potential node for therapeutic intervention in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Wang
- grid.412465.0Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009 China
| | - Lintao Xu
- grid.412465.0Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009 China
| | - Deqing Peng
- grid.417401.70000 0004 1798 6507Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Yongjian Zhu
- grid.412465.0Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009 China
| | - Zhaowen Gu
- grid.412465.0Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009 China
| | - Ying Yao
- grid.412465.0Department of Neurointensive Care Unit, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 China
| | - Heyangzi Li
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Basic Medicine Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Xi Cao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Basic Medicine Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Chun-yan Fu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Basic Medicine Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Mingzhi Zheng
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Xinghui Song
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XCentral Laboratory, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006 China
| | - Yueming Ding
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XSchool of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015 China
| | - Yueliang Shen
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Basic Medicine Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Jinjie Zhong
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Basic Medicine Sciences and Department of Obstetrics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Ying-ying Chen
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Basic Medicine Sciences and Department of Obstetrics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Jue Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Lin-lin Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Basic Medicine Sciences and Department of Orthopaedics of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058 China
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Rodrigo Albors A, Singer GA, Llorens-Bobadilla E, Frisén J, May AP, Ponting CP, Storey KG. An ependymal cell census identifies heterogeneous and ongoing cell maturation in the adult mouse spinal cord that changes dynamically on injury. Dev Cell 2023; 58:239-255.e10. [PMID: 36706756 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The adult spinal cord stem cell potential resides within the ependymal cell population and declines with age. Ependymal cells are, however, heterogeneous, and the biological diversity this represents and how it changes with age remain unknown. Here, we present a single-cell transcriptomic census of spinal cord ependymal cells from adult and aged mice, identifying not only all known ependymal cell subtypes but also immature as well as mature cell states. By comparing transcriptomes of spinal cord and brain ependymal cells, which lack stem cell abilities, we identify immature cells as potential spinal cord stem cells. Following spinal cord injury, these cells re-enter the cell cycle, which is accompanied by a short-lived reversal of ependymal cell maturation. We further analyze ependymal cells in the human spinal cord and identify widespread cell maturation and altered cell identities. This in-depth characterization of spinal cord ependymal cells provides insight into their biology and informs strategies for spinal cord repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Rodrigo Albors
- Division of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
| | - Gail A Singer
- Division of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | | | - Jonas Frisén
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew P May
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Tornado Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Chris P Ponting
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Kate G Storey
- Division of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
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31
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Liu F, Huang Y, Wang H. Rodent Models of Spinal Cord Injury: From Pathology to Application. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:340-361. [PMID: 36303082 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often has devastating consequences for the patient's physical, mental and occupational health. At present, there is no effective treatment for SCI, and appropriate animal models are very important for studying the pathological manifestations, injury mechanisms, and corresponding treatment. However, the pathological changes in each injury model are different, which creates difficulties in selecting appropriate models for different research purposes. In this article, we analyze various SCI models and introduce their pathological features, including inflammation, glial scar formation, axon regeneration, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and oxidative stress, and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each model, which is convenient for selecting suitable models for different injury mechanisms to study therapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuze Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Beijing, 100730, People's Republic of China.
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32
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New LE, Yanagawa Y, McConkey GA, Deuchars J, Deuchars SA. GABAergic regulation of cell proliferation within the adult mouse spinal cord. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109326. [PMID: 36336067 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Manipulation of neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the postnatal CNS is receiving significant attention due to therapeutic potential. In the spinal cord, such manipulations may promote repair in conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury, but may also limit excessive cell proliferation contributing to tumours such as ependymomas. We show that when ambient γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is increased in vigabatrin-treated or decreased by GAD67 allele haplodeficiency in glutamic acid decarboxylase67-green fluorescent protein (GAD67-GFP) mice of either sex, the numbers of proliferating cells respectively decreased or increased. Thus, intrinsic spinal cord GABA levels are correlated with the extent of cell proliferation, providing important evidence for manipulating these levels. Diazepam binding inhibitor, an endogenous protein that interacts with GABA receptors and its breakdown product, octadecaneuropeptide, which preferentially activates central benzodiazepine (CBR) sites, were highly expressed in spinal cord, especially in ependymal cells surrounding the central canal. Furthermore, animals with reduced CBR activation via treatment with flumazenil or Ro15-4513, or with a G2F77I mutation in the CBR binding site had greater numbers of Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine positive cells compared to control, which maintained their stem cell status since the proportion of newly proliferated cells becoming oligodendrocytes or astrocytes was significantly lower. Altering endogenous GABA levels or modulating GABAergic signalling through specific sites on GABA receptors therefore influences NSC proliferation in the adult spinal cord. These findings provide a basis for further study into how GABAergic signalling could be manipulated to enable spinal cord self-regeneration and recovery or limit pathological proliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauryn E New
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioural Neuroscience, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Glenn A McConkey
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Jim Deuchars
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Susan A Deuchars
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK.
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33
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Semita IN, Utomo DN, Suroto H, Sudiana IK, Gandi P. The mechanism of human neural stem cell secretomes improves neuropathic pain and locomotor function in spinal cord injury rat models: through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-matrix degradation, and neurotrophic activities. Korean J Pain 2023; 36:72-83. [PMID: 36549874 PMCID: PMC9812698 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.22279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a big burden, including 90% suffering permanent disability, and 60%-69% experiencing neuropathic pain. The main causes are oxidative stress, inflammation, and degeneration. The efficacy of the stem cell secretome is promising, but the role of human neural stem cell (HNSC)-secretome in neuropathic pain is unclear. This study evaluated how the mechanism of HNSC-secretome improves neuropathic pain and locomotor function in SCI rat models through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-matrix degradation, and neurotrophic activities. Methods A proper experimental study investigated 15 Rattus norvegicus divided into normal, control, and treatment groups (30 μL HNSC-secretome, intrathecal in the level of T10, three days post-traumatic SCI). Twenty-eight days post-injury, specimens were collected, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, F2-Isoprostanes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were analyzed. Locomotor recovery was evaluated via Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores. Neuropathic pain was evaluated using the Rat Grimace Scale. Results The HNSC-secretome could improve locomotor recovery and neuropathic pain, decrease F2-Isoprostane (antioxidant), decrease MMP-9 and TNF-α (anti-inflammatory), as well as modulate TGF-β and BDNF (neurotrophic factor). Moreover, HNSC-secretomes maintain the extracellular matrix of SCI by reducing the matrix degradation effect of MMP-9 and increasing the collagen formation effect of TGF-β as a resistor of glial scar formation. Conclusions The present study demonstrated the mechanism of HNSC-secretome in improving neuropathic pain and locomotor function in SCI through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-matrix degradation, and neurotrophic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Nyoman Semita
- Doctoral Program of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia,Department of Orthopaedic, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia
| | - Dwikora Novembri Utomo
- Department of Orthopaedic, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia,Correspondence: Dwikora Novembri Utomo Department of Orthopaedic, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Jl. Manyar Tirtosari IV/7, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, Tel: +628123036236, Fax: +62315020406, E-mail:
| | - Heri Suroto
- Department of Orthopaedic, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - I Ketut Sudiana
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Parama Gandi
- Departement of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
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34
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Zhang L, Liu Y, Lu Y, Wang G. Targeting epigenetics as a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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35
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Yan J, Zhang L, Li L, He W, Liu W. Developmentally engineered bio-assemblies releasing neurotrophic exosomes guide in situ neuroplasticity following spinal cord injury. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100406. [PMID: 36065352 PMCID: PMC9440432 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The emerging tissue-engineered bio-assemblies are revolutionizing the regenerative medicine, and provide a potential program to guarantee predictive performance of stem-cell-derived treatments in vivo and hence support their clinical translation. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) showed the attractive potential for the therapy of nervous system injuries, especially spinal cord injury (SCI), and yet failed to make an impact on clinical outcomes. Herein, under the guidance of the embryonic development theory that appropriate cellular coarctations or clustering are pivotal initiators for the formation of geometric and functional tissue structures, a developmentally engineered strategy was established to assemble DPMSCs into a bio-assembly termed Spinor through a three-level sequential induction programme including reductant, energy and mechanical force stimulation. Spinor exhibited similar geometric construction with spinal cord tissue and attain autonomy to released exosome with the optimized quantity and quality for suppressing cicatrization and inflammation and promoting axonal regeneration. As a spinal cord fascia and exosome mothership, Spinor guided the in-situ neuroplasticity of spinal cord in vivo, and caused the significant motor improvement, sensory recovery, and faster urinary reflex restoration in rats following SCI, while maintaining a highly favorable biosafety profile. Collectively, Spinor not only is a potentially clinical therapeutic paradigm as a living “exosome mothership” for revisiting Prometheus' Myth in SCI, but can be viewed allowing developmentally engineered manufacturing of biomimetic bio-assemblies with complex topology features and inbuilt biofunction attributes towards the regeneration of complex tissues including nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Liya Li
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
- Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
- Corresponding author. Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
| | - Wenjia Liu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
- Corresponding author. National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
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36
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Hemati-Gourabi M, Cao T, Romprey MK, Chen M. Capacity of astrocytes to promote axon growth in the injured mammalian central nervous system. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:955598. [PMID: 36203815 PMCID: PMC9530187 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.955598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the regulation of axon growth after injury to the adult central nervous system (CNS) is crucial to improve neural repair. Following acute focal CNS injury, astrocytes are one cellular component of the scar tissue at the primary lesion that is traditionally associated with inhibition of axon regeneration. Advances in genetic models and experimental approaches have broadened knowledge of the capacity of astrocytes to facilitate injury-induced axon growth. This review summarizes findings that support a positive role of astrocytes in axon regeneration and axon sprouting in the mature mammalian CNS, along with potential underlying mechanisms. It is important to recognize that astrocytic functions, including modulation of axon growth, are context-dependent. Evidence suggests that the local injury environment, neuron-intrinsic regenerative potential, and astrocytes’ reactive states determine the astrocytic capacity to support axon growth. An integrated understanding of these factors will optimize therapeutic potential of astrocyte-targeted strategies for neural repair.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tuoxin Cao
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Megan K. Romprey
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Meifan Chen
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Meifan Chen,
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37
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Ribeiro M, Ayupe AC, Beckedorff FC, Levay K, Rodriguez S, Tsoulfas P, Lee JK, Nascimento-Dos-Santos G, Park KK. Retinal ganglion cell expression of cytokine enhances occupancy of NG2 cell-derived astrocytes at the nerve injury site: Implication for axon regeneration. Exp Neurol 2022; 355:114147. [PMID: 35738417 PMCID: PMC10648309 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Following injury in the central nervous system, a population of astrocytes occupy the lesion site, form glial bridges and facilitate axon regeneration. These astrocytes originate primarily from resident astrocytes or NG2+ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. However, the extent to which these cell types give rise to the lesion-filling astrocytes, and whether the astrocytes derived from different cell types contribute similarly to optic nerve regeneration remain unclear. Here we examine the distribution of astrocytes and NG2+ cells in an optic nerve crush model. We show that optic nerve astrocytes partially fill the injury site over time after a crush injury. Viral mediated expression of a growth-promoting factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) promotes axon regeneration without altering the lesion size or the degree of lesion-filling GFAP+ cells. Strikingly, using inducible NG2CreER driver mice, we found that CNTF overexpression in RGCs increases the occupancy of NG2+ cell-derived astrocytes in the optic nerve lesion. An EdU pulse-chase experiment shows that the increase in NG2 cell-derived astrocytes is not due to an increase in cell proliferation. Lastly, we performed RNA-sequencing on the injured optic nerve and reveal that CNTF overexpression in RGCs results in significant changes in the expression of distinct genes, including those that encode chemokines, growth factor receptors, and immune cell modulators. Even though CNTF-induced axon regeneration has long been recognized, this is the first evidence of this procedure affecting glial cell fate at the optic nerve crush site. We discuss possible implication of these results for axon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcio Ribeiro
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA7103 MCN/VUIIS, 1161 21st Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ana C Ayupe
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Felipe C Beckedorff
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Human Genetics, Biomedical Research Building, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Room 715, 1501 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Konstantin Levay
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sara Rodriguez
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Pantelis Tsoulfas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jae K Lee
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Gabriel Nascimento-Dos-Santos
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kevin K Park
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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38
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Frederico B, Martins I, Chapela D, Gasparrini F, Chakravarty P, Ackels T, Piot C, Almeida B, Carvalho J, Ciccarelli A, Peddie CJ, Rogers N, Briscoe J, Guillemot F, Schaefer AT, Saúde L, Reis e Sousa C. DNGR-1-tracing marks an ependymal cell subset with damage-responsive neural stem cell potential. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1957-1975.e9. [PMID: 35998585 PMCID: PMC9616800 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cells with latent stem ability can contribute to mammalian tissue regeneration after damage. Whether the central nervous system (CNS) harbors such cells remains controversial. Here, we report that DNGR-1 lineage tracing in mice identifies an ependymal cell subset, wherein resides latent regenerative potential. We demonstrate that DNGR-1-lineage-traced ependymal cells arise early in embryogenesis (E11.5) and subsequently spread across the lining of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled compartments to form a contiguous sheet from the brain to the end of the spinal cord. In the steady state, these DNGR-1-traced cells are quiescent, committed to their ependymal cell fate, and do not contribute to neuronal or glial lineages. However, trans-differentiation can be induced in adult mice by CNS injury or in vitro by culture with suitable factors. Our findings highlight previously unappreciated ependymal cell heterogeneity and identify across the entire CNS an ependymal cell subset wherein resides damage-responsive neural stem cell potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Frederico
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
| | - Isaura Martins
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diana Chapela
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; TechnoPhage, SA, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francesca Gasparrini
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Probir Chakravarty
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Tobias Ackels
- Sensory Circuits and Neurotechnology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Cécile Piot
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Bruna Almeida
- Experimental Histopathology, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Joana Carvalho
- Experimental Histopathology, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Alessandro Ciccarelli
- Advanced Light Microscopy, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Christopher J Peddie
- Electron Microscopy, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Neil Rogers
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James Briscoe
- Developmental Dynamic Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - François Guillemot
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Andreas T Schaefer
- Sensory Circuits and Neurotechnology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Physiology &Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Leonor Saúde
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular e Instituto de Histologia e Biologia do Desenvolvimento, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Caetano Reis e Sousa
- Immunobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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39
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Kuramoto Y, Takagi T, Takeda Y, Rajbhandari S, Yoshida Y, Nakagomi T, Yoshimura S. Identification of novel multipotent stem cells in mouse spinal cord following traumatic injury. Stem Cells Dev 2022; 31:555-568. [PMID: 35708107 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We showed that injury-induced multipotent stem cells (iSCs) emerge in the brain after stroke. These brain-derived iSCs (B-iSCs) can differentiate into various lineages, including neurons. This study aimed to determine whether similar stem cells can be induced even after non-ischemic injuries, such as trauma to the spinal cord. We characterized these cells, mainly focusing on their stemness, multipotency, and neuronal differentiation activities. Spinal cord injury was produced using forceps in adult mice. On day 3 after spinal cord injury, samples were obtained from the injured areas. Spinal cord sections were subjected to histological analyses. Cells were isolated and assessed for proliferative activities, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, FACS, and microarray analysis. Although nerve cell morphology was disrupted within the injured spinal cord, our histological observations revealed the presence of cells expressing stem cells, such as nestin and Sox2 in these areas. In addition, cells extracted from injured areas exhibited high proliferative abilities. These cells also expressed markers of both neural stem cells (e.g., nestin, Sox2) and multipotent stem cells (e.g., Sox2, c-myc, Klf4). They differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes, as well as neuronal cells. Microarray analysis further identified similar properties between spinal cord (SC)-derived iSCs and B-iSCs. However, SC-iSCs revealed specific genes related to the regulation of stemness and neurogenesis. We identified similar features related to multipotency in SC-iSCs compared to B-iSCs, including neuronal differentiation potential. Although the differences between SC-iSCs and B-iSCs remain largely undetermined, the present study shows that iSCs can develop even after non-ischemic injuries such as trauma. This phenomenon can occur outside the brain within the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoji Kuramoto
- Hyogo College of Medicine, 12818, Neurosurgery, 1-1, Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Japan, 663-8501;
| | - Toshinori Takagi
- Hyogo College of Medicine, 12818, Neurosurgery, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan;
| | - Yuki Takeda
- Hyogo College of Medicine, 12818, Neurosurgery, Nishinomiya, Japan;
| | | | - Yasunori Yoshida
- Hyogo College of Medicine, 12818, Neurosurgery, Nishinomiya, Japan;
| | - Takayuki Nakagomi
- Hyogo College of Medicine, 12818, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.,Hyogo College of Medicine, 12818, Therapeutic Progress in Brain Diseases, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan;
| | - Shinichi Yoshimura
- Hyogo College of Medicine, 12818, Neurosurgery, Nishinomiya, Japan.,Hyogo College of Medicine, 12818, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan;
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Havelikova K, Smejkalova B, Jendelova P. Neurogenesis as a Tool for Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073728. [PMID: 35409088 PMCID: PMC8998995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a devastating medical condition with no effective treatment. One approach to SCI treatment may be provided by stem cells (SCs). Studies have mainly focused on the transplantation of exogenous SCs, but the induction of endogenous SCs has also been considered as an alternative. While the differentiation potential of neural stem cells in the brain neurogenic regions has been known for decades, there are ongoing debates regarding the multipotent differentiation potential of the ependymal cells of the central canal in the spinal cord (SCECs). Following spinal cord insult, SCECs start to proliferate and differentiate mostly into astrocytes and partly into oligodendrocytes, but not into neurons. However, there are several approaches concerning how to increase neurogenesis in the injured spinal cord, which are discussed in this review. The potential treatment approaches include drug administration, the reduction of neuroinflammation, neuromodulation with physical factors and in vivo reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Havelikova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic; (K.H.); (B.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Smejkalova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic; (K.H.); (B.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic; (K.H.); (B.S.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-24-106-2828
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41
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Temporal and spatial cellular and molecular pathological alterations with single-cell resolution in the adult spinal cord after injury. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:65. [PMID: 35232960 PMCID: PMC8888618 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00885-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves diverse injury responses in different cell types in a temporally and spatially specific manner. Here, using single-cell transcriptomic analyses combined with classic anatomical, behavioral, electrophysiological analyses, we report, with single-cell resolution, temporal molecular and cellular changes in crush-injured adult mouse spinal cord. Data revealed pathological changes of 12 different major cell types, three of which infiltrated into the spinal cord at distinct times post-injury. We discovered novel microglia and astrocyte subtypes in the uninjured spinal cord, and their dynamic conversions into additional stage-specific subtypes/states. Most dynamic changes occur at 3-days post-injury and by day-14 the second wave of microglial activation emerged, accompanied with changes in various cell types including neurons, indicative of the second round of attacks. By day-38, major cell types are still substantially deviated from uninjured states, demonstrating prolonged alterations. This study provides a comprehensive mapping of cellular/molecular pathological changes along the temporal axis after SCI, which may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies, including those targeting microglia.
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Stenudd M, Sabelström H, Llorens-Bobadilla E, Zamboni M, Blom H, Brismar H, Zhang S, Basak O, Clevers H, Göritz C, Barnabé-Heider F, Frisén J. Identification of a discrete subpopulation of spinal cord ependymal cells with neural stem cell properties. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110440. [PMID: 35235796 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord ependymal cells display neural stem cell properties in vitro and generate scar-forming astrocytes and remyelinating oligodendrocytes after injury. We report that ependymal cells are functionally heterogeneous and identify a small subpopulation (8% of ependymal cells and 0.1% of all cells in a spinal cord segment), which we denote ependymal A (EpA) cells, that accounts for the in vitro stem cell potential in the adult spinal cord. After spinal cord injury, EpA cells undergo self-renewing cell division as they give rise to differentiated progeny. Single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed a loss of ependymal cell gene expression programs as EpA cells gained signaling entropy and dedifferentiated to a stem-cell-like transcriptional state after an injury. We conclude that EpA cells are highly differentiated cells that can revert to a stem cell state and constitute a therapeutic target for spinal cord repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moa Stenudd
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Sabelström
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Margherita Zamboni
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Blom
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21 Solna, Sweden
| | - Hjalmar Brismar
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21 Solna, Sweden
| | - Shupei Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Onur Basak
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 GC, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 GC, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Göritz
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm Node, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fanie Barnabé-Heider
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Frisén
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Regulating Endogenous Neural Stem Cell Activation to Promote Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050846. [PMID: 35269466 PMCID: PMC8909806 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions of individuals worldwide. Currently, there is no cure, and treatment options to promote neural recovery are limited. An innovative approach to improve outcomes following SCI involves the recruitment of endogenous populations of neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs can be isolated from the neuroaxis of the central nervous system (CNS), with brain and spinal cord populations sharing common characteristics (as well as regionally distinct phenotypes). Within the spinal cord, a number of NSC sub-populations have been identified which display unique protein expression profiles and proliferation kinetics. Collectively, the potential for NSCs to impact regenerative medicine strategies hinges on their cardinal properties, including self-renewal and multipotency (the ability to generate de novo neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes). Accordingly, endogenous NSCs could be harnessed to replace lost cells and promote structural repair following SCI. While studies exploring the efficacy of this approach continue to suggest its potential, many questions remain including those related to heterogeneity within the NSC pool, the interaction of NSCs with their environment, and the identification of factors that can enhance their response. We discuss the current state of knowledge regarding populations of endogenous spinal cord NSCs, their niche, and the factors that regulate their behavior. In an attempt to move towards the goal of enhancing neural repair, we highlight approaches that promote NSC activation following injury including the modulation of the microenvironment and parenchymal cells, pharmaceuticals, and applied electrical stimulation.
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Zhang K, Lu WC, Zhang M, Zhang Q, Xian PP, Liu FF, Chen ZY, Kim CS, Wu SX, Tao HR, Wang YZ. Reducing host aldose reductase activity promotes neuronal differentiation of transplanted neural stem cells at spinal cord injury sites and facilitates locomotion recovery. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1814-1820. [PMID: 35017443 PMCID: PMC8820702 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.330624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation is a promising strategy for replacing lost neurons following spinal cord injury. However, the survival and differentiation of transplanted NSCs is limited, possibly owing to the neurotoxic inflammatory microenvironment. Because of the important role of glucose metabolism in M1/M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages, we hypothesized that altering the phenotype of microglia/macrophages by regulating the activity of aldose reductase (AR), a key enzyme in the polyol pathway of glucose metabolism, would provide a more beneficial microenvironment for NSC survival and differentiation. Here, we reveal that inhibition of host AR promoted the polarization of microglia/macrophages toward the M2 phenotype in lesioned spinal cord injuries. M2 macrophages promoted the differentiation of NSCs into neurons in vitro. Transplantation of NSCs into injured spinal cords either deficient in AR or treated with the AR inhibitor sorbinil promoted the survival and neuronal differentiation of NSCs at the injured spinal cord site and contributed to locomotor functional recovery. Our findings suggest that inhibition of host AR activity is beneficial in enhancing the survival and neuronal differentiation of transplanted NSCs and shows potential as a treatment of spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Can Lu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan Province, China
| | - Pan-Pan Xian
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fang-Fang Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Chung Sookja Kim
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sheng-Xi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui-Ren Tao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ya-Zhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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45
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Deng S, Gan L, Liu C, Xu T, Zhou S, Guo Y, Zhang Z, Yang GY, Tian H, Tang Y. Roles of Ependymal Cells in the Physiology and Pathology of the Central Nervous System. Aging Dis 2022; 14:468-483. [PMID: 37008045 PMCID: PMC10017161 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0826-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ependymal cells are indispensable components of the central nervous system (CNS). They originate from neuroepithelial cells of the neural plate and show heterogeneity, with at least three types that are localized in different locations of the CNS. As glial cells in the CNS, accumulating evidence demonstrates that ependymal cells play key roles in mammalian CNS development and normal physiological processes by controlling the production and flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), brain metabolism, and waste clearance. Ependymal cells have been attached to great importance by neuroscientists because of their potential to participate in CNS disease progression. Recent studies have demonstrated that ependymal cells participate in the development and progression of various neurological diseases, such as spinal cord injury and hydrocephalus, raising the possibility that they may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the disease. This review focuses on the function of ependymal cells in the developmental CNS as well as in the CNS after injury and discusses the underlying mechanisms of controlling the functions of ependymal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yaohui Tang
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Yaohui Tang, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. .
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46
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Abstract
Traumatic injury of the central nervous system (CNS) is a worldwide health problem affecting millions of people. Trauma of the CNS, that is, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), lead to massive and progressive cell loss and axonal degeneration, usually with very limited regeneration. At present, there are no treatments to protect injured CNS tissue or to replace the lost tissue. Stem cells are a cell type that by definition can self-renew and give rise to multiple cell lineages. In recent years, therapies using stem and progenitor cells have shown promising effects in experimental CNS trauma, particularly in the acute-subacute stage, but also in chronic injuries. However, the therapeutic mechanisms by which transplanted cells achieve the structural and/or functional improvements are often not clear. Stem cell therapies for CNS trauma can be categorized into 2 main concepts, transplantation of exogenous neural stem cells and neural progenitor cells and recruitment of endogenous stem and progenitor cells. In this review, focusing on the advances during the last decade, we will discuss the major cell therapies, the pros and cons of these 2 concepts for TBI and SCI, and the treatment strategies we believe will be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Sundström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Corresponding author: Erik Sundström, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), BioClinicum J9:20, Karolinska University Hospital, S17164 Solna, Sweden.
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47
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Perez JC, Gerber YN, Perrin FE. Dynamic Diversity of Glial Response Among Species in Spinal Cord Injury. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:769548. [PMID: 34899275 PMCID: PMC8662749 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.769548] [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: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The glial scar that forms after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is mostly composed of microglia, NG2 glia, and astrocytes and plays dual roles in pathophysiological processes induced by the injury. On one hand, the glial scar acts as a chemical and physical obstacle to spontaneous axonal regeneration, thus preventing functional recovery, and, on the other hand, it partly limits lesion extension. The complex activation pattern of glial cells is associated with cellular and molecular crosstalk and interactions with immune cells. Interestingly, response to SCI is diverse among species: from amphibians and fishes that display rather limited (if any) glial scarring to mammals that exhibit a well-identifiable scar. Additionally, kinetics of glial activation varies among species. In rodents, microglia become activated before astrocytes, and both glial cell populations undergo activation processes reflected amongst others by proliferation and migration toward the injury site. In primates, glial cell activation is delayed as compared to rodents. Here, we compare the spatial and temporal diversity of the glial response, following SCI amongst species. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying glial activation and scar formation is a prerequisite to develop timely glial cell-specific therapeutic strategies that aim to increase functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yannick N Gerber
- MMDN, Université de Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Florence E Perrin
- MMDN, Université de Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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Repetitive Trans Spinal Magnetic Stimulation Improves Functional Recovery and Tissue Repair in Contusive and Penetrating Spinal Cord Injury Models in Rats. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121827. [PMID: 34944643 PMCID: PMC8698720 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121827] [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: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an incurable condition in which the brain is disconnected partially or completely from the periphery. Mainly, SCIs are traumatic and are due to traffic, domestic or sport accidents. To date, SCIs are incurable and, most of the time, leave the patients with a permanent loss of sensitive and motor functions. Therefore, for several decades, researchers have tried to develop treatments to cure SCI. Among them, recently, our lab has demonstrated that, in mice, repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (rTSMS) can, after SCI, modulate the lesion scar and can induce functional locomotor recovery non-invasively. These results are promising; however, before we can translate them to humans, it is important to reproduce them in a more clinically relevant model. Indeed, SCIs do not lead to the same cellular events in mice and humans. In particular, SCIs in humans induce the formation of cystic cavities. That is why we propose here to validate the effects of rTSMS in a rat animal model in which SCI leads to the formation of cystic cavities after penetrating and contusive SCI. To do so, several techniques, including immunohistochemical, behavioral and MRI, were performed. Our results demonstrate that rTSMS, in both SCI models, modulates the lesion scar by decreasing the formation of cystic cavities and by improving axonal survival. Moreover, rTSMS, in both models, enhances functional locomotor recovery. Altogether, our study describes that rTSMS exerts positive effects after SCI in rats. This study is a further step towards the use of this treatment in humans.
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Chevreau R, Ghazale H, Ripoll C, Chalfouh C, Delarue Q, Hemonnot-Girard AL, Mamaeva D, Hirbec H, Rothhut B, Wahane S, Perrin FE, Noristani HN, Guerout N, Hugnot JP. RNA Profiling of Mouse Ependymal Cells after Spinal Cord Injury Identifies the Oncostatin Pathway as a Potential Key Regulator of Spinal Cord Stem Cell Fate. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123332. [PMID: 34943841 PMCID: PMC8699053 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ependymal cells reside in the adult spinal cord and display stem cell properties in vitro. They proliferate after spinal cord injury and produce neurons in lower vertebrates but predominantly astrocytes in mammals. The mechanisms underlying this glial-biased differentiation remain ill-defined. We addressed this issue by generating a molecular resource through RNA profiling of ependymal cells before and after injury. We found that these cells activate STAT3 and ERK/MAPK signaling post injury and downregulate cilia-associated genes and FOXJ1, a central transcription factor in ciliogenesis. Conversely, they upregulate 510 genes, seven of them more than 20-fold, namely Crym, Ecm1, Ifi202b, Nupr1, Rbp1, Thbs2 and Osmr—the receptor for oncostatin, a microglia-specific cytokine which too is strongly upregulated after injury. We studied the regulation and role of Osmr using neurospheres derived from the adult spinal cord. We found that oncostatin induced strong Osmr and p-STAT3 expression in these cells which is associated with reduction of proliferation and promotion of astrocytic versus oligodendrocytic differentiation. Microglial cells are apposed to ependymal cells in vivo and co-culture experiments showed that these cells upregulate Osmr in neurosphere cultures. Collectively, these results support the notion that microglial cells and Osmr/Oncostatin pathway may regulate the astrocytic fate of ependymal cells in spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Chevreau
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (H.G.); (C.R.); (A.L.H.-G.); (H.H.); (B.R.)
| | - Hussein Ghazale
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (H.G.); (C.R.); (A.L.H.-G.); (H.H.); (B.R.)
| | - Chantal Ripoll
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (H.G.); (C.R.); (A.L.H.-G.); (H.H.); (B.R.)
| | - Chaima Chalfouh
- EA3830 GRHV, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.C.); (Q.D.); (N.G.)
| | - Quentin Delarue
- EA3830 GRHV, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.C.); (Q.D.); (N.G.)
| | - Anne Laure Hemonnot-Girard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (H.G.); (C.R.); (A.L.H.-G.); (H.H.); (B.R.)
| | - Daria Mamaeva
- Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France;
| | - Helene Hirbec
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (H.G.); (C.R.); (A.L.H.-G.); (H.H.); (B.R.)
| | - Bernard Rothhut
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (H.G.); (C.R.); (A.L.H.-G.); (H.H.); (B.R.)
| | - Shalaka Wahane
- Departments of Neurobiology and Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Florence Evelyne Perrin
- Department of Biology, University of Montpellier, INSERM MMDN, EPHE, 34295 Montpellier, France;
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75231 Paris, France
| | - Harun Najib Noristani
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center and Center for Neural Repair, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA;
| | - Nicolas Guerout
- EA3830 GRHV, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.C.); (Q.D.); (N.G.)
| | - Jean Philippe Hugnot
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34295 Montpellier, France; (R.C.); (H.G.); (C.R.); (A.L.H.-G.); (H.H.); (B.R.)
- Correspondence:
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50
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Nicaise AM, D'Angelo A, Ionescu RB, Krzak G, Willis CM, Pluchino S. The role of neural stem cells in regulating glial scar formation and repair. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 387:399-414. [PMID: 34820704 PMCID: PMC8975756 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glial scars are a common pathological occurrence in a variety of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and injuries. They are caused after severe damage and consist of reactive glia that form a barrier around the damaged tissue that leads to a non-permissive microenvironment which prevents proper endogenous regeneration. While there are a number of therapies that are able to address some components of disease, there are none that provide regenerative properties. Within the past decade, neural stem cells (NSCs) have been heavily studied due to their potent anti-inflammatory and reparative capabilities in disease and injury. Exogenously applied NSCs have been found to aid in glial scar healing by reducing inflammation and providing cell replacement. However, endogenous NSCs have also been found to contribute to the reactive environment by different means. Further understanding how NSCs can be leveraged to aid in the resolution of the glial scar is imperative in the use of these cells as regenerative therapies. To do so, humanised 3D model systems have been developed to study the development and maintenance of the glial scar. Herein, we explore the current work on endogenous and exogenous NSCs in the glial scar as well as the novel 3D stem cell–based technologies being used to model this pathology in a dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Nicaise
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Andrea D'Angelo
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosana-Bristena Ionescu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Grzegorz Krzak
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cory M Willis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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