1
|
Li Y, Kumamaru H, Vokes TJ, Tran AN, Shevinsky CA, Graham L, Archuleta K, Limon KR, Lu P, Blesch A, Tuszynski MH, Brock JH. An improved method for generating human spinal cord neural stem cells. Exp Neurol 2024; 376:114779. [PMID: 38621449 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114779] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Neural stem cells have exhibited efficacy in pre-clinical models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and are on a translational path to human testing. We recently reported that neural stem cells must be driven to a spinal cord fate to optimize host axonal regeneration into sites of implantation in the injured spinal cord, where they subsequently form neural relays across the lesion that support significant functional improvement. We also reported methods of deriving and culturing human spinal cord neural stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells that can be sustained over serial high passage numbers in vitro, providing a potentially optimized cell source for human clinical trials. We now report further optimization of methods for deriving and sustaining cultures of human spinal cord neural stem cell lines that result in improved karyotypic stability while retaining anatomical efficacy in vivo. This development improves prospects for safe human translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - H Kumamaru
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kyushu University, Oita, Japan
| | - T J Vokes
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - A N Tran
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - C A Shevinsky
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - L Graham
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - K Archuleta
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - K R Limon
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - P Lu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - A Blesch
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - M H Tuszynski
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - J H Brock
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun Z, Chen Z, Yin M, Wu X, Guo B, Cheng X, Quan R, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Fan Y, Jin C, Yin Y, Hou X, Liu W, Shu M, Xue X, Shi Y, Chen B, Xiao Z, Dai J, Zhao Y. Harnessing developmental dynamics of spinal cord extracellular matrix improves regenerative potential of spinal cord organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:772-787.e11. [PMID: 38565140 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.03.007] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Neonatal spinal cord tissues exhibit remarkable regenerative capabilities as compared to adult spinal cord tissues after injury, but the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in this process has remained elusive. Here, we found that early developmental spinal cord had higher levels of ECM proteins associated with neural development and axon growth, but fewer inhibitory proteoglycans, compared to those of adult spinal cord. Decellularized spinal cord ECM from neonatal (DNSCM) and adult (DASCM) rabbits preserved these differences. DNSCM promoted proliferation, migration, and neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and facilitated axonal outgrowth and regeneration of spinal cord organoids more effectively than DASCM. Pleiotrophin (PTN) and Tenascin (TNC) in DNSCM were identified as contributors to these abilities. Furthermore, DNSCM demonstrated superior performance as a delivery vehicle for NPCs and organoids in spinal cord injury (SCI) models. This suggests that ECM cues from early development stages might significantly contribute to the prominent regeneration ability in spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Man Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xianming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaokang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rui Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuting Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yongheng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanyun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xianglin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Weiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Muya Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ya Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China.
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen YL, Feng XL, Tam KW, Fan CY, Cheung MPL, Yang YT, Wong S, Shum DKY, Chan YS, Cheung CW, Cheung M, Liu JA. Intrinsic and extrinsic actions of human neural progenitors with SUFU inhibition promote tissue repair and functional recovery from severe spinal cord injury. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:13. [PMID: 38519518 PMCID: PMC10959923 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00352-4] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells(hPSCs) provide major cell sources for repairing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the injury niche and inadequate intrinsic factors in the adult spinal cord restrict the therapeutic potential of transplanted NPCs. The Sonic Hedgehog protein (Shh) has crucial roles in neurodevelopment by promoting the formation of motorneurons and oligodendrocytes as well as its recently described neuroprotective features in response to the injury, indicating its essential role in neural homeostasis and tissue repair. In this study, we demonstrate that elevated SHH signaling in hNPCs by inhibiting its negative regulator, SUFU, enhanced cell survival and promoted robust neuronal differentiation with extensive axonal outgrowth, counteracting the harmful effects of the injured niche. Importantly, SUFU inhibition in NPCs exert non-cell autonomous effects on promoting survival and neurogenesis of endogenous cells and modulating the microenvironment by reducing suppressive barriers around lesion sites. The combined beneficial effects of SUFU inhibition in hNPCs resulted in the effective reconstruction of neuronal connectivity with the host and corticospinal regeneration, significantly improving neurobehavioral recovery in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that SUFU inhibition confers hNPCs with potent therapeutic potential to overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers in transplantation treatments for SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang-Lan Feng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin-Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chao-Yang Fan
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Pui-Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong-Ting Yang
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stanley Wong
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong sanatorium hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Patil N, Korenfeld O, Scalf RN, Lavoie N, Huntemer-Silveira A, Han G, Swenson R, Parr AM. Electrical stimulation affects the differentiation of transplanted regionally specific human spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) after chronic spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:378. [PMID: 38124191 PMCID: PMC10734202 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are currently no effective clinical therapies to ameliorate the loss of function that occurs after spinal cord injury. Electrical stimulation of the rat spinal cord through the rat tail has previously been described by our laboratory. We propose combinatorial treatment with human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) along with tail nerve electrical stimulation (TANES). The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of TANES on the differentiation of sNPCs with the hypothesis that the addition of TANES would affect incorporation of sNPCs into the injured spinal cord, which is our ultimate goal. METHODS Chronically injured athymic nude rats were allocated to one of three treatment groups: injury only, sNPC only, or sNPC + TANES. Rats were sacrificed at 16 weeks post-transplantation, and tissue was processed and analyzed utilizing standard histological and tissue clearing techniques. Functional testing was performed. All quantitative data were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistics were conducted using GraphPad Prism. RESULTS We found that sNPCs were multi-potent and retained the ability to differentiate into mainly neurons or oligodendrocytes after this transplantation paradigm. The addition of TANES resulted in more transplanted cells differentiating into oligodendrocytes compared with no TANES treatment, and more myelin was found. TANES not only promoted significantly higher numbers of sNPCs migrating away from the site of injection but also influenced long-distance axonal/dendritic projections especially in the rostral direction. Further, we observed localization of synaptophysin on SC121-positive cells, suggesting integration with host or surrounding neurons, and this finding was enhanced when TANES was applied. Also, rats that were transplanted with sNPCs in combination with TANES resulted in an increase in serotonergic fibers in the lumbar region. This suggests that TANES contributes to integration of sNPCs, as well as activity-dependent oligodendrocyte and myelin remodeling of the chronically injured spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS Together, the data suggest that the added electrical stimulation promoted cellular integration and influenced the fate of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sNPCs transplanted into the injured spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandadevi Patil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Olivia Korenfeld
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Rachel N Scalf
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Nicolas Lavoie
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Anne Huntemer-Silveira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Guebum Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1100 Mechanical Engineering Building, 111 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Riley Swenson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, 2-214 MTRF, 2001 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ann M Parr
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, MMC 96, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zheng X, Liu Z, He Z, Xu J, Wang Y, Gong C, Zhang R, Zhang SC, Chen H, Wang W. Preclinical long-term safety of intraspinal transplantation of human dorsal spinal GABA neural progenitor cells. iScience 2023; 26:108306. [PMID: 38026209 PMCID: PMC10661464 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons have shown promise in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). We previously showed that hPSC-derived dorsal spinal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons can alleviate spasticity and promote locomotion in rats with SCI, but their long-term safety remains elusive. Here, we characterized the long-term fate and safety of human dorsal spinal GABA neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in naive rats over one year. All grafted NPCs had undergone differentiation, yielding mainly neurons and astrocytes. Fully mature human neurons grew many axons and formed numerous synapses with rat neural circuits, together with mature human astrocytes that structurally integrated into the rat spinal cord. The sensorimotor function of rats was not impaired by intraspinal transplantation, even when human neurons were activated or inhibited by designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). These findings represent a significant step toward the clinical translation of human spinal neuron transplantation for treating SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhixian Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ziyu He
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - YaNan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - ChenZi Gong
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ruoying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Program in Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, the School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu B, Liu D, Liu W, Long G, Liu W, Wu Y, He X, Shen Y, Jiang P, Yin M, Fan Y, Shen H, Shi L, Zhang Q, Xue W, Jin C, Chen Z, Chen B, Li J, Hu Y, Li X, Xiao Z, Zhao Y, Dai J. Engineered human spinal cord-like tissues with dorsal and ventral neuronal progenitors for spinal cord injury repair in rats and monkeys. Bioact Mater 2023; 27:125-137. [PMID: 37064803 PMCID: PMC10090126 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplanting human neural progenitor cells is a promising method of replenishing the lost neurons after spinal cord injury (SCI), but differentiating neural progenitor cells into the diverse types of mature functional spinal cord neurons in vivo is challenging. In this study, engineered human embryonic spinal cord-like tissues with dorsal and ventral neuronal characters (DV-SC) were generated by inducing human neural progenitor cells (hscNPCs) to differentiate into various types of dorsal and ventral neuronal cells on collagen scaffold in vitro. Transplantation of DV-SC into complete SCI models in rats and monkeys showed better therapeutic effects than undifferentiated hscNPCs, including pronounced cell survival and maturation. DV-SC formed a targeted connection with the host's ascending and descending axons, partially restored interrupted neural circuits, and improved motor evoked potentials and the hindlimb function of animals with SCI. This suggests that the transplantation of pre-differentiated hscNPCs with spinal cord dorsal and ventral neuronal characteristics could be a promising strategy for SCI repair.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang J, Wang Y, Shu X, Deng H, Wu F, He J. Magnetic chitosan hydrogel induces neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells by activating RAS-dependent signal cascade. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 314:120918. [PMID: 37173006 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Our aim was to modulate magnetic cues to influence the differentiation of neural stem cell (NSC) into neuron during nerve repair and to explore corresponding mechanisms. Here, a magnetic hydrogel composed of chitosan matrices and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with different content was prepared as the magnetic-stimulation platform to apply intrinsically-present magnetic cue and externally-applied magnetic field to NSC grown on the hydrogel. The MNP content had regulatory effects on neuronal differentiation and the MNPs-50 samples exhibited the best neuronal potential and appropriate biocompatibility in vitro, as well as accelerated the subsequent neuronal regeneration in vivo. Remarkably, the use of proteomics analysis parsed the underlying mechanism of magnetic cue-mediated neuronal differentiation form the perspective of protein corona and intracellular signal transduction. The intrinsically-present magnetic cues in hydrogel contributed to the activation of intracellular RAS-dependent signal cascades, thus facilitating neuronal differentiation. Magnetic cue-dependent changes in NSCs benefited from the upregulation of adsorbed proteins related to "neuronal differentiation", "cell-cell interaction", "receptor", "protein activation cascade", and "protein kinase activity" in the protein corona. Additionally, magnetic hydrogel acted cooperatively with the exterior magnetic field, showing further improving neurogenesis. The findings clarified the mechanism for magnetic cue-mediated neuronal differentiation, coupling protein corona and intracellular signal transduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Xuedong Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Huan Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Fang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Jing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lear BP, Moore DL. Moving CNS axon growth and regeneration research into human model systems. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1198041. [PMID: 37425013 PMCID: PMC10324669 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1198041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon regeneration is limited in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Rodent studies have shown that developmental age can drive differences in intrinsic axon growth ability, such that embryonic rodent CNS neurons extend long axons while postnatal and adult CNS neurons do not. In recent decades, scientists have identified several intrinsic developmental regulators in rodents that modulate growth. However, whether this developmentally programmed decline in CNS axon growth is conserved in humans is not yet known. Until recently, there have been limited human neuronal model systems, and even fewer age-specific human models. Human in vitro models range from pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly reprogrammed (transdifferentiated) neurons derived from human somatic cells. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system, and how studying axon growth in human neurons can provide species-specific knowledge in the field of CNS axon regeneration with the goal of bridging basic science studies to clinical trials. Additionally, with the increased availability and quality of 'omics datasets of human cortical tissue across development and lifespan, scientists can mine these datasets for developmentally regulated pathways and genes. As there has been little research performed in human neurons to study modulators of axon growth, here we provide a summary of approaches to begin to shift the field of CNS axon growth and regeneration into human model systems to uncover novel drivers of axon growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Darcie L. Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu JA, Tam KW, Chen YL, Feng X, Chan CWL, Lo ALH, Wu KLK, Hui MN, Wu MH, Chan KKK, Cheung MPL, Cheung CW, Shum DKY, Chan YS, Cheung M. Transplanting Human Neural Stem Cells with ≈50% Reduction of SOX9 Gene Dosage Promotes Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery from Severe Spinal Cord Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023:e2205804. [PMID: 37296073 PMCID: PMC10369238 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are considered a major cell source for reconstructing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration. However, the microenvironment at the site of spinal cord injury (SCI) and inadequate intrinsic factors limit the therapeutic potential of transplanted NSCs. Here, it is shown that half dose of SOX9 in hPSCs-derived NSCs (hNSCs) results in robust neuronal differentiation bias toward motor neuron lineage. The enhanced neurogenic potency is partly attributed to the reduction of glycolysis. These neurogenic and metabolic properties retain after transplantation of hNSCs with reduced SOX9 expression in a contusive SCI rat model without the need for growth factor-enriched matrices. Importantly, the grafts exhibit excellent integration properties, predominantly differentiate into motor neurons, reduce glial scar matrix accumulation to facilitate long-distance axon growth and neuronal connectivity with the host as well as dramatically improve locomotor and somatosensory function in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that hNSCs with half SOX9 gene dosage can overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers, representing a powerful therapeutic potential for transplantation treatments for SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Aijia Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Long Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xianglan Feng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christy Wing Lam Chan
- Department of Neuroscience, Tat Chee Avenue, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amos Lok Hang Lo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth Lap-Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Ning Hui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Hoi Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Kwok-Keung Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - May Pui Lai Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Wai Cheung
- Department of Anaesthesiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Coyoy-Salgado A, Orozco-Barrios C, Sánchez-Torres S, Olayo MG, Cruz GJ, Morales-Corona J, Olayo R, Diaz-Ruiz A, Ríos C, Alvarez-Mejia L, Mondragón-Lozano R, Morales-Guadarrama A, Alonso-García AL, Fabela-Sánchez O, Salgado-Ceballos H. Gene expression and locomotor recovery in adult rats with spinal cord injury and plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine application combined with a mixed rehabilitation scheme. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1124245. [PMID: 37288064 PMCID: PMC10243140 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1124245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause paralysis, for which effective therapeutic strategies have not been developed yet. The only accepted strategy for patients is rehabilitation (RB), although this does not allow complete recovery of lost functions, which makes it necessary to combine it with strategies such as plasma-synthesized polypyrrole/iodine (PPy/I), a biopolymer with different physicochemical properties than PPy synthesized by conventional methods. After SCI in rats, PPy/I promotes functional recovery. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to increase the beneficial effects of both strategies and identify which genes activate PPy/I when applied alone or in combination with a mixed scheme of RB by swimming and enriched environment (SW/EE) in rats with SCI. Methods Microarray analysis was performed to identify mechanisms of action underlying the effects of PPy/I and PPy/I+SW/EE on motor function recovery as evaluated by the BBB scale. Results Results showed robust upregulation by PPy/I in genes related to the developmental process, biogenesis, synapse, and synaptic vesicle trafficking. In addition, PPy/I+SW/EE increased the expression of genes related to proliferation, biogenesis, cell development, morphogenesis, cell differentiation, neurogenesis, neuron development, and synapse formation processes. Immunofluorescence analysis showed the expression of β-III tubulin in all groups, a decreased expression of caspase-3 in the PPy/I group and GFAP in the PPy/I+SW/EE group (p < 0.05). Better preservation of nerve tissue was observed in PPy/I and PPy/SW/EE groups (p < 0.05). In the BBB scale, the control group scored 1.72 ± 0.41, animals with PPy/I treatment scored 4.23 ± 0.33, and those with PPy/I+SW/EE scored 9.13 ± 0.43 1 month after follow-up. Conclusion Thus, PPy/I+SW/EE could represent a therapeutic alternative for motor function recovery after SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Coyoy-Salgado
- Researchers for Mexico CONACyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Orozco-Barrios
- Researchers for Mexico CONACyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Stephanie Sánchez-Torres
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe Olayo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Department of Physics, Axapusco, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Jesus Cruz
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Department of Physics, Axapusco, Mexico
| | - Juan Morales-Corona
- Department of Physics, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roberto Olayo
- Department of Physics, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Araceli Diaz-Ruiz
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez S.S.A., Department of Neurochemistry, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Camilo Ríos
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez S.S.A., Department of Neurochemistry, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Alvarez-Mejia
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Mondragón-Lozano
- Researchers for Mexico CONACyT-Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Axayacatl Morales-Guadarrama
- Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
- National Center for Research in Imaging and Medical Instrumentation, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Omar Fabela-Sánchez
- Researchers for Mexico CONACyT-Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Department of Chemistry Macromolecules and Nanomaterials, Saltillo, Mexico
| | - Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos
- Research Center of the Proyecto CAMINA A.C., Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center Siglo XXI, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Song S, Li Y, Huang J, Cheng S, Zhang Z. Inhibited astrocytic differentiation in neural stem cell-laden 3D bioprinted conductive composite hydrogel scaffolds for repair of spinal cord injury. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 148:213385. [PMID: 36934714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology has attracted ever-increasing attention in engineered tissue fabrication for stem cell-based tissue repair. However, the in vivo performance of transplanted stem cells in the tissue engineering scaffolds is still a major concern for regenerative medicine researches. Especially for neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation, the uncontrollable differentiation of the NSCs in host often leads to a poor therapeutic effect in nerve tissue repair, such as spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. To address this issue, we have fabricated a conductive composite hydrogel (CCH) scaffold loading with NSCs by 3D bioprinting, for delivering the NSCs to injured spinal cord and repairing the propriospinal nerve circuit. In our strategy, a novel conductive polymer (PEDOT:CSMA,TA) was synthesized and introduced into a photocrosslinkable gelatin/polyethylene glycol physical-gel matrix, thereby forming a composite bioink with well shear-thinning and self-healing properties. The composite bioink we prepared was then printed into the NSC-laden CCH scaffold with high shape fidelity and similar physicochemical properties to native spinal cord tissues. The NSCs encapsulated in the bioprinted CCH scaffold extended their neurites to form superior physical contact with the neighboring cells as well as the electroconductive matrix, and maintained a predominant in vivo neuronal differentiation, accompanying with few astrocytic production in the lesion area after transplantation into the SCI sites. As a result, the removal of glial scar tissues and the regeneration of well-developed nerve fibres sequentially happened, which not only facilitated nerve tissue development, but also accelerated locomotor function recovery in the SCI rats. By exploring the application of conductive biomaterials in stem cell-based SCI therapy, this work represents a feasible, new approach to precisely construct tissue engineering scaffolds for stem cell-based therapy in traumatic SCI and other nervous system diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoshuai Song
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jie Huang
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Shengnan Cheng
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nanobiomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, 398 Ruoshui Road, Suzhou 215123, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xu J, Fang S, Deng S, Li H, Lin X, Huang Y, Chung S, Shu Y, Shao Z. Generation of neural organoids for spinal-cord regeneration via the direct reprogramming of human astrocytes. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:253-269. [PMID: 36424465 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00963-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Organoids with region-specific architecture could facilitate the repair of injuries of the central nervous system. Here we show that human astrocytes can be directly reprogrammed into early neuroectodermal cells via the overexpression of OCT4, the suppression of p53 and the provision of the small molecules CHIR99021, SB431542, RepSox and Y27632. We also report that the activation of signalling mediated by fibroblast growth factor, sonic hedgehog and bone morphogenetic protein 4 in the reprogrammed cells induces them to form spinal-cord organoids with functional neurons specific to the dorsal and ventral domains. In mice with complete spinal-cord injury, organoids transplanted into the lesion differentiated into spinal-cord neurons, which migrated and formed synapses with host neurons. The direct reprogramming of human astrocytes into neurons may pave the way for in vivo neural organogenesis from endogenous astrocytes for the repair of injuries to the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Xu
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Shi Fang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Suixin Deng
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Li
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoning Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yongheng Huang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Sangmi Chung
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Yousheng Shu
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhicheng Shao
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Pediatrics, National Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative, Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jin C, Wu Y, Zhang H, Xu B, Liu W, Ji C, Li P, Chen Z, Chen B, Li J, Wu X, Jiang P, Hu Y, Xiao Z, Zhao Y, Dai J. Spinal cord tissue engineering using human primary neural progenitor cells and astrocytes. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10448. [PMID: 36925694 PMCID: PMC10013752 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplantation is a promising approach for repairing spinal cord injury (SCI). However, cell survival, maturation and integration after transplantation are still major challenges. Here, we produced a novel centimeter-scale human spinal cord neural tissue (hscNT) construct with human spinal cord neural progenitor cells (hscNPCs) and human spinal cord astrocytes (hscAS) on a linearly ordered collagen scaffold (LOCS). The hscAS promoted hscNPC adhesion, survival and neurite outgrowth on the LOCS, to form a linearly ordered spinal cord-like structure consisting of mature neurons and glia cells. When transplanted into rats with SCI, the hscNT created a favorable microenvironment by inhibiting inflammation and glial scar formation, and promoted neural and vascular regeneration. Notably, the hscNT promoted neural circuit reconstruction and motor functional recovery. Engineered human spinal cord implants containing astrocytes and neurons assembled on axon guidance scaffolds may therefore have potential in the treatment of SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jin
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yayu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Haipeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Bai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Chunnan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Panpan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Zhenni Chen
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jiayin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Xianming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Peipei Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Nanjing China
| | - Yali Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Nanjing China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu B, Liu G, Li C, Liu S, Sun D. Resection of Scar Tissue in Rats With Spinal Cord Injury Can Promote the Expression of βⅢ-tubulin in the Injured Area. World Neurosurg 2023; 170:e115-e126. [PMID: 36280047 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.10.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research shows that scar tissue formed in the injured area after spinal cord injury blocks nerve regeneration and functional recovery. However, those researchers tried to prevent the formation of scar after spinal cord injury to promote nerve regeneration, but it ran counter to their desire, indicating that the formation of scar might play a role in functional recovery after spinal cord injury. METHODS To investigate roles of scar formation on functional repair after spinal cord injury, we selected several different key time points to resect the scar tissue formed after spinal cord injury based on the rat models of the T8-T9 transection injury of spinal cord. First, the recovery of motor function was evaluated by Basso Beattie Bresnahan score and electrophysiologic examination; second, the pathologic features of functional recovery were analyzed mainly by immunofluorescence βⅢ-tubulin staining; finally, the genes related to the recovery of motor function were predicted by high-throughput sequencing analysis. RESULTS Immunofluorescence results showed that the resection of scar tissue promoted significantly the recovery of motor function and the expression of βⅢ-tubulin in the injured area in the second week after spinal cord injury. Furthermore, RNA-seq studies showed that Tubb3 and Tubb6 gene expression and other neural regeneration pathways were significantly different in the tissue before and after early resection. CONCLUSIONS Excision of scar tissue in the second week promoted nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. Tubb3 and Tubb6 genes might be the potential targets for spinal cord injury therapy in our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoguo Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guoqing Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Xintai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taian, China
| | - Changyang Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Xintai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taian, China
| | - Sumei Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, China; Cell Therapy Center, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Dejun Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Rybachuk O, Savytska N, Pinet É, Yaminsky Y, Medvediev V. Heterogeneous pHPMA hydrogel promotes neuronal differentiation of bone marrow derived stromal cells in vitroand in vivo. Biomed Mater 2023; 18. [PMID: 36542861 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/acadc3] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic hydrogels composed of polymer pore frames are commonly used in medicine, from pharmacologically targeted drug delivery to the creation of bioengineering constructions used in implantation surgery. Among various possible materials, the most common are poly-[N(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (pHPMA) derivatives. One of the pHPMA derivatives is biocompatible hydrogel, NeuroGel. Upon contact with nervous tissue, the NeuroGel's structure can support the chemical and physiological conditions of the tissue necessary for the growth of native cells. Owing to the different pore diameters in the hydrogel, not only macromolecules, but also cells can migrate. This study evaluated the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) into neurons, as well as the effectiveness of using this biofabricated system in spinal cord injuryin vivo. The hydrogel was populated with BMSCs by injection or rehydration. After cultivation, these fragments (hydrogel + BMSCs) were implanted into the injured rat spinal cord. Fragments were immunostained before implantation and seven months after implantation. During cultivation with the hydrogel, both variants (injection/rehydration) of the BMSCs culture retained their viability and demonstrated a significant number of Ki-67-positive cells, indicating the preservation of their proliferative activity. In hydrogel fragments, BMSCs also maintained their viability during the period of cocultivation and were Ki-67-positive, but in significantly fewer numbers than in the cell culture. In addition, in fragments of hydrogel with grafted BMSCs, both by the injection or rehydration versions, we observed a significant number up to 57%-63.5% of NeuN-positive cells. These results suggest that the heterogeneous pHPMA hydrogel promotes neuronal differentiation of bone marrow-derived stromal cells. Furthermore, these data demonstrate the possible use of NeuroGel implants with grafted BMSCs for implantation into damaged areas of the spinal cord, with subsequent nerve fiber germination, nerve cell regeneration, and damaged segment restoration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Rybachuk
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine.,Institute of Genetic and Regenerative Medicine, M. D. Strazhesko National Scientific Center of Cardiology, Clinical and Regenerative Medicine, NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Savytska
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Yurii Yaminsky
- State Institution 'Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute, NAMS of Ukraine', Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Medvediev
- Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine.,Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
BDNF guides neural stem cell-derived axons to ventral interneurons and motor neurons after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114259. [PMID: 36309123 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) implanted into sites of spinal cord injury (SCI) extend very large numbers of new axons over very long distances caudal to the lesion site, and support partial functional recovery. Newly extending graft axons distribute throughout host gray and white matter caudal to the injury. We hypothesized that provision of trophic gradients caudal to the injury would provide neurotrophic guidance to newly extending graft-derived axons to specific intermediate and ventral host gray matter regions, thereby potentially further improving neural relay formation. Immunodeficient rats underwent C5 lateral hemisection lesions, following by implants of human NSC grafts two weeks later. After an additional two weeks, animals received injections of AAV2-BDNF expressing vectors three spinal segments (9 mm) caudal to the lesion in host ventral and intermediate gray matter. After 2 months additional survival, we found a striking, 5.5-fold increase in the density of human axons innervating host ventral gray matter (P < 0.05) and 2.7-fold increase in intermediate gray matter (P < 0.01). Moreover, stem cell-derived axons formed a substantially greater number of putative synaptic connections with host motor neurons (P < 0.01). Thus, trophic guidance is an effective means of enhancing and guiding neural stem cell axon growth after SCI and will be used in future experiments to determine whether neural relay formation and functional outcomes can be improved.
Collapse
|
18
|
Lee S, Nam H, Joo KM, Lee SH. Advances in Neural Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: Safety, Efficacy, and Future Perspectives. Neurospine 2022; 19:946-960. [PMID: 36351442 PMCID: PMC9816608 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2244658.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating central nervous system injury that leads to severe disabilities in motor and sensory functions, causing significant deterioration in patients' quality of life. Owing to the complexity of SCI pathophysiology, there has been no effective treatment for reversing neural tissue damage and recovering neurological functions. Several novel therapies targeting different stages of pathophysiological mechanisms of SCI have been developed. Among these, treatments using stem cells have great potential for the regeneration of damaged neural tissues. In this review, we have summarized recent preclinical and clinical studies focusing on neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs are multipotent cells with specific differentiation capabilities for neural lineage. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated the regenerative effects of transplanted NSCs in SCI animal models through both paracrine effects and direct neuronal differentiation, restoring synaptic connectivity and neural networks. Based on the positive results of several preclinical studies, phase I and II clinical trials using NSCs have been performed. Despite several hurdles and issues that need to be addressed in the clinical use of NSCs in patients with SCI, gradual progress in the technical development and therapeutic efficacy of NSCs treatments has enhanced the prospects for cell-based treatments in SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungjoon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Nam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kyeung-Min Joo
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Single Cell Network Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea,Corresponding Author Kyeung-Min Joo Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Sun-Ho Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea,Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea,Co-corresponding Author Sun-Ho Lee Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Voronkov DN, Stavrovskaya AV, Guschina AS, Olshansky AS, Lebedeva OS, Eremeev AV, Lagarkova MA. Morphological Characterization of Astrocytes in a Xenograft of Human iPSC-Derived Neural Precursor Cells. Acta Naturae 2022; 14:100-108. [DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of a mixed astrocyte and neuron culture is of interest in the development of cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. In this case, an assessment of engraftment requires a detailed morphological characterization, in particular an analysis of the neuronal and glial populations. In the experiment performed, human iPSC-derived neural progenitors transplanted into a rat striatum produced a mixed neuron and astrocyte population in vivo by the sixth month after transplantation. The morphological characteristics and neurochemical profile of the xenografted astrocytes were similar to those of mature human astroglia. Unlike neurons, astrocytes migrated to the surrounding structures and the density and pattern of their distribution in the striatum and cerebral cortex differed, which indicates that the microenvironment affects human glia integration. The graft was characterized by the zonal features of glial cell morphology, which was a reflection of cell maturation in the central area, glial shaft formation around the transplanted neurons, and migration to the surrounding structures.
Collapse
|
20
|
Zheng Y, Gallegos CM, Xue H, Li S, Kim DH, Zhou H, Xia X, Liu Y, Cao Q. Transplantation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells Promotes Forelimb Functional Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172765. [PMID: 36078173 PMCID: PMC9454923 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Locomotor function after spinal cord injury (SCI) is critical for assessing recovery. Currently, available means to improve locomotor function include surgery, physical therapy rehabilitation and exoskeleton. Stem cell therapy with neural progenitor cells (NPCs) transplantation is a promising reparative strategy. Along this line, patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a remarkable autologous cell source, which offer many advantages including: great potential to generate isografts avoiding immunosuppression; the availability of a variety of somatic cells without ethical controversy related to embryo use; and vast differentiation. In this current work, to realize the therapeutic potential of iPSC-NPCs for the treatment of SCI, we transplanted purified iPSCs-derived NPCs into a cervical contusion SCI rat model. Our results showed that the iPSC-NPCs were able to survive and differentiate into both neurons and astrocytes and, importantly, improve forelimb locomotor function as assessed by the grooming task and horizontal ladder test. Purified iPSC-NPCs represent a promising cell type that could be further tested and developed into a clinically useful cell source for targeted cell therapy for cervical SCI patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Zheng
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chrystine M. Gallegos
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haipeng Xue
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shenglan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dong H. Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hongxia Zhou
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Xugang Xia
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (Q.C.); Tel.: +1-(772)-345-4734 (Y.L.); +1-(772)-345-4622 (Q.C.)
| | - Qilin Cao
- Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11350 SW Village Pkwy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (Q.C.); Tel.: +1-(772)-345-4734 (Y.L.); +1-(772)-345-4622 (Q.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhou J, Wu Y, Tang Z, Zou K, Chen J, Lei Z, Wan X, Liu Y, Zhang H, Wang Y, Blesch A, Lei T, Liu S. Alginate hydrogel cross-linked by Ca2+ to promote spinal cord neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and functional recovery after a spinal cord injury. Regen Biomater 2022; 9:rbac057. [PMID: 36072264 PMCID: PMC9438746 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbac057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Alginate capillary hydrogels seeded with differentiated cells can fill the lesion cavity and promote axonal regeneration after grafting into the injured spinal cord. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) can potentially repair the spinal cord; however, effects of alginate hydrogels (AHs) on NSPCs remain unknown. In this study, we fabricated AHs cross-linked by Ca2+ and seeded hydrogels with rat embryonic day 14 NSPCs. Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy show that NSPCs survive, proliferate and differentiate into neurons in vitro within the capillaries. After transplantation into an acute T8 complete spinal cord transection site in adult rats, approximately one-third (38.3%) of grafted cells survive and differentiate into neurons (40.7%), astrocytes (26.6%) and oligodendrocytes (28.4%) at 8 weeks post-grafting. NSPCs promote the growth of host axons within the capillaries in a time-dependent manner. Host axons make synapse-like contacts with NSPC-derived neurons within the hydrogel channels, and graft-derived axons extend into the host white and gray matter making putative synapses. This is paralleled by improved electrophysiological conductivity across the lesion and partial hindlimb locomotor recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yaqi Wu
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Zhijian Tang
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Kaipeng Zou
- Chongqing University Affiliated Jiangjin Hospital (Jiangjin Central Hospital) Department of Anus-intestines, , Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Juan Chen
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Zuowei Lei
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Orthopedics, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xueyan Wan
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yanchao Liu
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Huaqiu Zhang
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Armin Blesch
- University of California San Diego Department of Neurosciences, , LaJolla, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System , La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ting Lei
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Shengwen Liu
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Neurosurgery, , Wuhan, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lavoie NS, Truong V, Malone D, Pengo T, Patil N, Dutton JR, Parr AM. Human induced pluripotent stem cells integrate, create synapses and extend long axons after spinal cord injury. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:1932-1942. [PMID: 35257489 PMCID: PMC8980929 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous interventions have been explored in animal models using cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in the context of neural injury with some success. Our work seeks to transplant cells that are generated from hiPSCs into regionally specific spinal neural progenitor cells (sNPCs) utilizing a novel accelerated differentiation protocol designed for clinical translation. We chose a xenotransplantation model because our laboratory is focused on the behaviour of human cells in order to bring this potential therapy to translation. Cells were transplanted into adult immunodeficient rats after moderate contusion spinal cord injury (SCI). Twelve weeks later, cells derived from the transplanted sNPCs survived and differentiated into neurons and glia that filled the lesion cavity and produced a thoracic spinal cord transcriptional program in vivo. Furthermore, neurogenesis and ionic channel expression were promoted within the adjacent host spinal cord tissue. Transplanted cells displayed robust integration properties including synapse formation and myelination by host oligodendrocytes. Axons from transplanted hiPSC sNPC‐derived cells extended both rostrally and caudally from the SCI transplant site, rostrally approximately 6 cm into supraspinal structures. Thus, iPSC‐derived sNPCs may provide a patient‐specific cell source for patients with SCI that could provide a relay system across the site of injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Stoflet Lavoie
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vincent Truong
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Dane Malone
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Thomas Pengo
- University of Minnesota Imaging Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nandadevi Patil
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - James R Dutton
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ann M Parr
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vargova I, Kriska J, Kwok JCF, Fawcett JW, Jendelova P. Long-Term Cultures of Spinal Cord Interneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:827628. [PMID: 35197829 PMCID: PMC8859857 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.827628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord interneurons (SpINs) are highly diverse population of neurons that play a significant role in circuit reorganization and spontaneous recovery after spinal cord injury. Regeneration of SpIN axons across rodent spinal injuries has been demonstrated after modification of the environment and neurotrophin treatment, but development of methods to enhance the intrinsic regenerative ability of SpINs is needed. There is a lack of described in vitro models of spinal cord neurons in which to develop new regeneration treatments. For this reason, we developed a new model of mouse primary spinal cord neuronal culture in which to analyze maturation, morphology, physiology, connectivity and regeneration of identified interneurons. Isolated from E14 mice, the neurons mature over 15 days in vitro, demonstrated by expression of maturity markers, electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings, and formation of synapses. The neurons express markers of SpINs, including Tlx3, Lmx1b, Lbx1, Chx10, and Pax2. The neurons demonstrate distinct morphologies and some form perineuronal nets in long-term cultivation. Live neurons in various maturation stages were axotomized, using a 900 nm multiphoton laser and their fate was observed overnight. The percentage of axons that regenerated declined with neuronal maturity. This model of SpINs will be a valuable tool in future regenerative, developmental, and functional studies alongside existing models using cortical or hippocampal neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Vargova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Kriska
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jessica C. F. Kwok
- The Center for Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - James W. Fawcett
- The Center for Reconstructive Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu B, Li M, Zhang L, Chen Z, Lu P. Motor neuron replacement therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:1633-1639. [PMID: 35017408 PMCID: PMC8820706 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.332123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motor neuron degenerative disease that is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease in the United States, Charcot's disease in France, and motor neuron disease in the UK. The loss of motor neurons causes muscle wasting, paralysis, and eventually death, which is commonly related to respiratory failure, within 3-5 years after onset of the disease. Although there are a limited number of drugs approved for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, they have had little success at treating the associated symptoms, and they cannot reverse the course of motor neuron degeneration. Thus, there is still a lack of effective treatment for this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. Stem cell therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a very attractive strategy for both basic and clinical researchers, particularly as transplanted stem cells and stem cell-derived neural progenitor/precursor cells can protect endogenous motor neurons and directly replace the lost or dying motor neurons. Stem cell therapies may also be able to re-establish the motor control of voluntary muscles. Here, we review the recent progress in the use of neural stem cells and neural progenitor cells for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We focus on MN progenitor cells derived from fetal central nervous system tissue, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells. In our recent studies, we found that transplanted human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neuron progenitors survive well, differentiate into motor neurons, and extend axons into the host white matter, not only in the rostrocaudal direction, but also along motor axon tracts towards the ventral roots in the immunodeficient rat spinal cord. Furthermore, the significant motor axonal extension after neural progenitor cell transplantation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis models demonstrates that motor neuron replacement therapy could be a promising therapeutic strategy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, particularly as a variety of stem cell derivatives, including induced pluripotent stem cells, are being considered for clinical trials for various diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bochao Liu
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education; Center of Neural Injury and Repair; Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Mo Li
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education; Center of Neural Injury and Repair; Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Lingyan Zhang
- iXCells Biotechnologies USA, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Amogene Biotech, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education; Center of Neural Injury and Repair; Center of Parkinson's Disease, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Paul Lu
- Veterans Administration San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego; Department of Neurosciences, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Physical exercise promotes integration of grafted cells and functional recovery in an acute stroke rat model. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:276-288. [PMID: 35030322 PMCID: PMC8828662 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neural progenitor cell (hNPC) transplantation holds great potential to treat neurological diseases. However, hNPC grafts take a long time to differentiate into mature neurons due to their intrinsically prolonged developmental timetable. Here, we report that postoperative physical exercise (PE), a prevailing rehabilitation intervention, promotes the neuronal commitment, maturation, and integration of engrafted hNPCs, evidenced by forming more synapses, receiving more synaptic input from host neurons, and showing higher neuronal activity levels. More important, NPC transplantation, combined with PE, shows significant improvement in both structural and behavioral outcomes in stroke-damaged rats. PE enhances ingrowth of blood vessels around the infarction region and neural tract reorganization along the ischemic boundary. The combination of NPC transplantation and postoperative PE creates both a neurotrophic/growth factor-enriched proneuronal microenvironment and an ideal condition for activity-dependent plasticity to give full play to its effects. Our study provides a potential approach to treating patients with stroke injury. Physical exercise boosts the maturation and integration of engrafted human NPCs This strategy brings about both structural and behavioral improvements in stroke rats This strategy creates a neurotrophic factor-enriched microenvironment Activity-dependent plasticity is also involved in this process
Collapse
|
26
|
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, the School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Wei Wang, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China. Tel: +86-27-83663657, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cell transplantation to repair the injured spinal cord. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 166:79-158. [PMID: 36424097 PMCID: PMC10008620 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
28
|
Abstract
Spinal cord injury represents a devastating central nervous system injury that could impair the mobility and sensory function of afflicted patients. The hallmarks of spinal cord injury include neuroinflammation, axonal degeneration, neuronal loss, and reactive gliosis. Furthermore, the formation of a glial scar at the injury site elicits an inhibitory environment for potential neuroregeneration. Besides axonal regeneration, a significant challenge in treating spinal cord injury is to replenish the neurons lost during the pathological process. However, despite decades of research efforts, current strategies including stem cell transplantation have not resulted in a successful clinical therapy. Furthermore, stem cell transplantation faces serious hurdles such as immunorejection of the transplanted cells and ethical issues. In vivo neuronal reprogramming is a recently developed technology and leading a major breakthrough in regenerative medicine. This innovative technology converts endogenous glial cells into functional neurons for injury repair in the central nervous system. The feasibility of in vivo neuronal reprogramming has been demonstrated successfully in models of different neurological disorders including spinal cord injury by numerous laboratories. Several reprogramming factors, mainly the pro-neural transcription factors, have been utilized to reprogram endogenous glial cells into functional neurons with distinct phenotypes. So far, the literature on in vivo neuronal reprogramming in the model of spinal cord injury is still small. In this review, we summarize a limited number of such reports and discuss several questions that we think are important for applying in vivo neuronal reprogramming in the research field of spinal cord injury as well as other central nervous system disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Neural Stem Cells: Promoting Axonal Regeneration and Spinal Cord Connectivity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123296. [PMID: 34943804 PMCID: PMC8699545 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to irreversible functional impairment caused by neuronal loss and the disruption of neuronal connections across the injury site. While several experimental strategies have been used to minimize tissue damage and to enhance axonal growth and regeneration, the corticospinal projection, which is the most important voluntary motor system in humans, remains largely refractory to regenerative therapeutic interventions. To date, one of the most promising pre-clinical therapeutic strategies has been neural stem cell (NSC) therapy for SCI. Over the last decade we have found that host axons regenerate into spinal NSC grafts placed into sites of SCI. These regenerating axons form synapses with the graft, and the graft in turn extends very large numbers of new axons from the injury site over long distances into the distal spinal cord. Here we discuss the pathophysiology of SCI that makes the spinal cord refractory to spontaneous regeneration, the most recent findings of neural stem cell therapy for SCI, how it has impacted motor systems including the corticospinal tract and the implications for sensory feedback.
Collapse
|
30
|
Stem Cell Secretome for Spinal Cord Repair: Is It More than Just a Random Baseline Set of Factors? Cells 2021; 10:cells10113214. [PMID: 34831436 PMCID: PMC8625005 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of thousands of people suffer spinal cord injuries each year. The experimental application of stem cells following spinal cord injury has opened a new era to promote neuroprotection and neuroregeneration of damaged tissue. Currently, there is great interest in the intravenous administration of the secretome produced by mesenchymal stem cells in acute or subacute spinal cord injuries. However, it is important to highlight that undifferentiated neural stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells are able to adapt to the damaged environment and produce the so-called lesion-induced secretome. This review article focuses on current research related to the secretome and the lesion-induced secretome and their roles in modulating spinal cord injury symptoms and functional recovery, emphasizing different compositions of the lesion-induced secretome in various models of spinal cord injury.
Collapse
|
31
|
Shen WY, Fu XH, Cai J, Li WC, Fan BY, Pang YL, Zhao CX, Abula M, Kong XH, Yao X, Feng SQ. Identification of key genes involved in recovery from spinal cord injury in adult zebrafish. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1334-1342. [PMID: 34782579 PMCID: PMC8643032 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.327360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are an effective vertebrate model to study the mechanisms underlying recovery after spinal cord injury. The subacute phase after spinal cord injury is critical to the recovery of neurological function, which involves tissue bridging and axon regeneration. In this study, we found that zebrafish spontaneously recovered 44% of their swimming ability within the subacute phase (2 weeks) after spinal cord injury. During this period, we identified 7762 differentially expressed genes in spinal cord tissue: 2950 were up-regulated and 4812 were down-regulated. These differentially expressed genes were primarily concentrated in the biological processes of the respiratory chain, axon regeneration, and cell-component morphogenesis. The genes were also mostly involved in the regulation of metabolic pathways, the cell cycle, and gene-regulation pathways. We verified the gene expression of two differentially expressed genes, clasp2 up-regulation and h1m down-regulation, in zebrafish spinal cord tissue in vitro. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that up-regulated clasp2 functions similarly to microtubule-associated protein, which is responsible for axon extension regulated by microtubules. Down-regulated h1m controls endogenous stem cell differentiation after spinal cord injury. This study provides new candidate genes, clasp2 and h1m, as potential therapeutic intervention targets for spinal cord injury repair by neuroregeneration. All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Tianjin Institute of Medical & Pharmaceutical Sciences (approval No. IMPS-EAEP-Q-2019-02) on September 24, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Shen
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuan-Hao Fu
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Cai
- Tianjin Medicine and Health Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Medical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen-Chang Li
- Tianjin Medicine and Health Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Medical & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Bao-You Fan
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi-Lin Pang
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen-Xi Zhao
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Muhtidir Abula
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Xue Yao
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shi-Qing Feng
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord Injury, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Liu S, Xie YY, Wang LD, Tai CX, Chen D, Mu D, Cui YY, Wang B. A multi-channel collagen scaffold loaded with neural stem cells for the repair of spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:2284-2292. [PMID: 33818514 PMCID: PMC8354107 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.310698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen scaffolds possess a three-dimensional porous structure that provides sufficient space for cell growth and proliferation, the passage of nutrients and oxygen, and the discharge of metabolites. In this study, a porous collagen scaffold with axially-aligned luminal conduits was prepared. In vitro biocompatibility analysis of the collagen scaffold revealed that it enhances the activity of neural stem cells and promotes cell extension, without affecting cell differentiation. The collagen scaffold loaded with neural stem cells improved the hindlimb motor function in the rat model of T8 complete transection and promoted nerve regeneration. The collagen scaffold was completely degraded in vivo within 5 weeks of implantation, exhibiting good biodegradability. Rectal temperature, C-reactive protein expression and CD68 staining demonstrated that rats with spinal cord injury that underwent implantation of the collagen scaffold had no notable inflammatory reaction. These findings suggest that this novel collagen scaffold is a good carrier for neural stem cell transplantation, thereby enhancing spinal cord repair following injury. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School), China (approval No. 2019AE02005) on June 15, 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Xie
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liu-Di Wang
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chen-Xu Tai
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dan Mu
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan-Yan Cui
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Clinical Stem Cell Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Correspondence to: Bin Wang, .
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lai BQ, Zeng X, Han WT, Che MT, Ding Y, Li G, Zeng YS. Stem cell-derived neuronal relay strategies and functional electrical stimulation for treatment of spinal cord injury. Biomaterials 2021; 279:121211. [PMID: 34710795 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The inability of adult mammals to recover function lost after severe spinal cord injury (SCI) has been known for millennia and is mainly attributed to a failure of brain-derived nerve fiber regeneration across the lesion. Potential approaches to re-establishing locomotor function rely on neuronal relays to reconnect the segregated neural networks of the spinal cord. Intense research over the past 30 years has focused on endogenous and exogenous neuronal relays, but progress has been slow and the results often controversial. Treatments with stem cell-derived neuronal relays alone or together with functional electrical stimulation offer the possibility of improved repair of neuronal networks. In this review, we focus on approaches to recovery of motor function in paralyzed patients after severe SCI based on novel therapies such as implantation of stem cell-derived neuronal relays and functional electrical stimulation. Recent research progress offers hope that SCI patients will one day be able to recover motor function and sensory perception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Wei-Tao Han
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ming-Tian Che
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ying Ding
- 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
| | - 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; Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chen X, Wang Y, Zhou G, Hu X, Han S, Gao J. The combination of nanoscaffolds and stem cell transplantation: Paving a promising road for spinal cord injury regeneration. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112233. [PMID: 34649357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI), one of the most devastating traumas, has caused long-term disability in millions of people worldwide. The pathophysiology of SCI primarily occurs in two stages classified as primary injury and secondary injury. Due to the rupture of axons and the apoptosis of neurons, patients lose their motor, sensory, and reflex functions, which also imposes a huge burden on families and society. However, traditional surgery does not facilitate neuronal regeneration. Although neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential for multidirectional differentiation, the probability of differentiation into neurons and survival are still low. Surprisingly, the unique properties of nanotechnologies enable targeted drug delivery while reducing adverse reactions, assisting NSCs in differentiating into neurons. Here, recent studies on promising nanoscaffolds are highlighted, and their strengths and drawbacks are evaluated. Although the treatment of SCI remains fraught with challenges, the combination of nanoscaffolds and NSCs pave a promising road for SCI regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyang Wang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xianghui Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyuan Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Shinozaki M, Nagoshi N, Nakamura M, Okano H. Mechanisms of Stem Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injuries. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102676. [PMID: 34685655 PMCID: PMC8534136 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Every year, 0.93 million people worldwide suffer from spinal cord injury (SCI) with irretrievable sequelae. Rehabilitation, currently the only available treatment, does not restore damaged tissues; therefore, the functional recovery of patients remains limited. The pathophysiology of spinal cord injuries is heterogeneous, implying that potential therapeutic targets differ depending on the time of injury onset, the degree of injury, or the spinal level of injury. In recent years, despite a significant number of clinical trials based on various types of stem cells, these aspects of injury have not been effectively considered, resulting in difficult outcomes of trials. In a specialty such as cancerology, precision medicine based on a patient’s characteristics has brought indisputable therapeutic advances. The objective of the present review is to promote the development of precision medicine in the field of SCI. Here, we first describe the multifaceted pathophysiology of SCI, with the temporal changes after injury, the characteristics of the chronic phase, and the subtypes of complete injury. We then detail the appropriate targets and related mechanisms of the different types of stem cell therapy for each pathological condition. Finally, we highlight the great potential of stem cell therapy in cervical SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munehisa Shinozaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.N.); (M.N.)
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (N.N.); (M.N.)
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang B, Lian W, Zhao J, Wang Z, Liu A, Du G. DL0410 Alleviates Memory Impairment in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Rats by Suppressing Neuroinflammation via the TLR4/MyD88/NF- κB Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6521146. [PMID: 34650664 PMCID: PMC8510815 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6521146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation have been demonstrated to be linked with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we examined the protective effects of DL0410 in aging rats and explored the underlying mechanism against oxidative damage and neuroinflammation, which was then validated in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglia. We firstly investigated the improvement effects of DL0410 on learning and memory abilities and explored the potential mechanisms in D-gal-induced aging rats. An 8-week treatment with DL0410 significantly improved the learning and cognitive function of D-gal-stimulated Alzheimer's-like rats in the Morris water maze test, step-down test, and novel object recognition test, and the therapeutic effect of DL0410 at 10 mg/kg was even better than that of donepezil. What is more, the results showed that DL0410 alleviated neuron injury, increased the number of synapses, and improved the level of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampus and cortex. Next, we examined the protective effects of DL0410 against oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. Our observations indicated that DL0410 reduced the production of harmful oxidation products and promoted the antioxidative system, decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10. Moreover, DL0410 inhibited the activation of astrocytes and microglia and suppressed the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The anti-inflammation effect of DL0410 was further confirmed in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, and the results showed that DL0410 reduced the level of inflammatory factors and inhibited the activation of the TLR4/MyD88/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway in BV2 microglia. Molecular docking results indicated that DL0410 occupied the LPS recognition site in the TLR4/MD2 complex. Furthermore, the enhanced expression of claudin-1, claudin-5, occludin, CX43, and ZO-1 indicated that DL0410 protected the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Together, these results suggest that DL0410 exerts neuroprotective effects against hippocampus and cortex injury induced by D-galactose, and the possible mechanisms include antioxidative stress, antineuroinflammation, improving synaptic plasticity, and maintaining BBB integrity, which is mediated by the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition. We suggest that DL0410 is a promising candidate for AD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wenwen Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ailin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Vandestadt C, Vanwalleghem GC, Khabooshan MA, Douek AM, Castillo HA, Li M, Schulze K, Don E, Stamatis SA, Ratnadiwakara M, Änkö ML, Scott EK, Kaslin J. RNA-induced inflammation and migration of precursor neurons initiates neuronal circuit regeneration in zebrafish. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2364-2380.e8. [PMID: 34428400 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tissue regeneration and functional restoration after injury are considered as stem- and progenitor-cell-driven processes. In the central nervous system, stem cell-driven repair is slow and problematic because function needs to be restored rapidly for vital tasks. In highly regenerative vertebrates, such as zebrafish, functional recovery is rapid, suggesting a capability for fast cell production and functional integration. Surprisingly, we found that migration of dormant "precursor neurons" to the injury site pioneers functional circuit regeneration after spinal cord injury and controls the subsequent stem-cell-driven repair response. Thus, the precursor neurons make do before the stem cells make new. Furthermore, RNA released from the dying or damaged cells at the site of injury acts as a signal to attract precursor neurons for repair. Taken together, our data demonstrate an unanticipated role of neuronal migration and RNA as drivers of neural repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Vandestadt
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Gilles C Vanwalleghem
- The Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Mitra Amiri Khabooshan
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Alon M Douek
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Hozana Andrade Castillo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia; Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Centre for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas CEP 13083-100, Brazil
| | - Mei Li
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Keith Schulze
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash University, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Emily Don
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | | | - Madara Ratnadiwakara
- Centre for Reproductive Health and Center for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Minna-Liisa Änkö
- Centre for Reproductive Health and Center for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ethan K Scott
- The Queensland Brain Institute, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jan Kaslin
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Do JL, Allahwerdy S, David RCC, Weinreb RN, Tuszynski MH, Welsbie DS. Optic Nerve Engraftment of Neural Stem Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:30. [PMID: 34283208 PMCID: PMC8300061 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.9.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the integrative potential of neural stem cells (NSCs) with the visual system and characterize effects on the survival and axonal regeneration of axotomized retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Methods For in vitro studies, primary, postnatal rat RGCs were directly cocultured with human NSCs or cultured in NSC-conditioned media before their survival and neurite outgrowth were assessed. For in vivo studies, human NSCs were transplanted into the transected rat optic nerve, and immunohistology of the retina and optic nerve was performed to evaluate RGC survival, RGC axon regeneration, and NSC integration with the injured visual system. Results Increased neurite outgrowth was observed in RGCs directly cocultured with NSCs. NSC-conditioned media demonstrated a dose-dependent effect on RGC survival and neurite outgrowth in culture. NSCs grafted into the lesioned optic nerve modestly improved RGC survival following an optic nerve transection (593 ± 164 RGCs/mm2 vs. 199 ± 58 RGCs/mm2; P < 0.01). Additionally, RGC axonal regeneration following an optic nerve transection was modestly enhanced by NSCs transplanted at the lesion site (61.6 ± 8.5 axons vs. 40.3 ± 9.1 axons, P < 0.05). Transplanted NSCs also differentiated into neurons, received synaptic inputs from regenerating RGC axons, and extended axons along the transected optic nerve to incorporate with the visual system. Conclusions Human NSCs promote the modest survival and axonal regeneration of axotomized RGCs that is partially mediated by diffusible NSC-derived factors. Additionally, NSCs integrate with the injured optic nerve and have the potential to form neuronal relays to restore retinofugal connections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiun L Do
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Salam Allahwerdy
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Ryan Caezar C David
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Robert N Weinreb
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| | - Mark H Tuszynski
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States.,Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, California, United States
| | - Derek S Welsbie
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu C, Wang X, Huang W, Meng W, Su Z, Xing Q, Shi H, Zhang D, Zhou M, Zhao Y, Wang H, Pan G, Zhong X, Pei D, Guo Y. Hypoproliferative human neural progenitor cell xenografts survived extendedly in the brain of immunocompetent rats. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:376. [PMID: 34215315 PMCID: PMC8254296 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02427-1] [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: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a huge controversy about whether xenograft or allograft in the “immune-privileged” brain needs immunosuppression. In animal studies, the prevailing sophisticated use of immunosuppression or immunodeficient animal is detrimental for the recipients, which results in a short lifespan of animals, confounds functional behavioral readout of the graft benefits, and discourages long-term follow-up. Methods Neuron-restricted neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were derived from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs, including H1, its gene-modified cell lines for better visualization, and HN4), propagated for different passages, and then transplanted into the brain of immunocompetent rats without immunosuppressants. The graft survivals, their cell fates, and HLA expression levels were examined over time (up to 4 months after transplantation). We compared the survival capability of NPCs from different passages and in different transplantation sites (intra-parenchyma vs. para- and intra-cerebroventricle). The host responses to the grafts were also investigated. Results Our results show that human ESC-derived neuron-restricted NPCs survive extendedly in adult rat brain parenchyma with no need of immunosuppression whereas a late-onset graft rejection seems inevitable. Both donor HLA antigens and host MHC-II expression level remain relatively low with little change over time and cannot predict the late-onset rejection. The intra-/para-cerebroventricular human grafts are more vulnerable to the immune attack than the intrastriatal counterparts. Prevention of graft hyperplasia by using hypoproliferative late passaged human NPCs further significantly extends the graft survival time. Our new data also shows that a subpopulation of host microglia upregulate MHC-II expression in response to the human graft, but fail to present the human antigen to the host immune system, suggestive of the immune-isolation role of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Conclusions The present study confirms the “immune privilege” of the brain parenchyma and, more importantly, unveils that choosing hypoproliferative NPCs for transplantation can benefit graft outcome in terms of both lower tumor-genic risk and the prolonged survival time without immunosuppression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02427-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Guangdong Work Injury Rehabilitation Center, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Wenhao Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei Meng
- Guangdong Work Injury Rehabilitation Center, Guangzhou, 510440, China
| | - Zhenghui Su
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qi Xing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Heng Shi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Di Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaofen Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Duanqing Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China. .,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou, 510005, China.
| | - Yiping Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China. .,Drug Discovery Pipeline, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, Guangdong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ciciriello AJ, Smith DR, Munsell MK, Boyd SJ, Shea LD, Dumont CM. IL-10 lentivirus-laden hydrogel tubes increase spinal progenitor survival and neuronal differentiation after spinal cord injury. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:2609-2625. [PMID: 33835500 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A complex cellular cascade characterizes the pathophysiological response following spinal cord injury (SCI) limiting regeneration. Biomaterial and stem cell combination therapies together have shown synergistic effects, compared to the independent benefits of each intervention, and represent a promising approach towards regaining function after injury. In this study, we combine our polyethylene glycol (PEG) cell delivery platform with lentiviral-mediated overexpression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 to improve mouse embryonic Day 14 (E14) spinal progenitor transplant survival. Immediately following injury in a mouse SCI hemisection model, five PEG tubes were implanted followed by direct injection into the tubes of lentivirus encoding for IL-10. Two weeks after tube implantation, mouse E14 spinal progenitors were injected directly into the integrated tubes, which served as a soft substrate for cell transplantation. Together, the tubes with the IL-10 encoding lentivirus improved E14 spinal progenitor survival, assessed at 2 weeks posttransplantation (4 weeks postinjury). On average, 8.1% of E14 spinal progenitors survived in mice receiving IL-10 lentivirus-laden tubes compared with 0.7% in mice receiving transplants without tubes, an 11.5-fold difference. Surviving E14 spinal progenitors gave rise to neurons when injected into tubes. Axon elongation and remyelination were observed, in addition to a significant increase in functional recovery in mice receiving IL-10 lentivirus-laden tubes with E14 spinal progenitor delivery compared to the injury only control by 4 weeks postinjury. All other conditions did not exhibit increased stepping until 8 or 12 weeks postinjury. This system affords increased control over the transplantation microenvironment, offering the potential to improve stem cell-mediated tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Ciciriello
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.,DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute at the University of Miami (BioNIUM), University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Dominique R Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mary K Munsell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sydney J Boyd
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Courtney M Dumont
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.,DJTMF Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute at the University of Miami (BioNIUM), University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Xu N, Xu T, Mirasol R, Holmberg L, Vincent PH, Li X, Falk A, Benedikz E, Rotstein E, Seiger Å, Åkesson E, Falci S, Sundström E. Transplantation of Human Neural Precursor Cells Reverses Syrinx Growth in a Rat Model of Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1257-1272. [PMID: 33469829 PMCID: PMC8423938 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00987-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) is a serious condition of progressive expansion of spinal cord cysts, affecting patients with spinal cord injury years after injury. To evaluate neural cell therapy to prevent cyst expansion and potentially replace lost neurons, we developed a rat model of PTS. We combined contusive trauma with subarachnoid injections of blood, causing tethering of the spinal cord to the surrounding vertebrae, resulting in chronically expanding cysts. The cysts were usually located rostral to the injury, extracanalicular, lined by astrocytes. T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintense fluid-filled cysts but also hypointense signals from debris and iron-laden macrophages/microglia. Two types of human neural stem/progenitor cells-fetal neural precursor cells (hNPCs) and neuroepithelial-like stem cells (hNESCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells-were transplanted to PTS cysts. Cells transplanted into cysts 10 weeks after injury survived at least 10 weeks, migrated into the surrounding parenchyma, but did not differentiate during this period. The cysts were partially obliterated by the cells, and cyst walls often merged with thin layers of cells in between. Cyst volume measurements with MRI showed that the volumes continued to expand in sham-transplanted rats by 102%, while the cyst expansion was effectively prevented by hNPCs and hNESCs transplantation, reducing the cyst volumes by 18.8% and 46.8%, respectively. The volume reductions far exceeded the volume of the added human cells. Thus, in an animal model closely mimicking the clinical situation, we provide proof-of-principle that transplantation of human neural stem/progenitor cells can be used as treatment for PTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xu
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, and Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, BioClinicum J10:30, Karolinska University Hospital, S17164, Solna, Sweden
| | - Raymond Mirasol
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Stroke Branch, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lena Holmberg
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Henrik Vincent
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Falk
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eirikur Benedikz
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- TEK-Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Emilia Rotstein
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, S-14186, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åke Seiger
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Åkesson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholms Sjukhem Foundation, Box 12230, S-10226, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Scott Falci
- Department of Neurosurgery, Craig Hospital, 3425 S. Clarkson St, Englewood, CO, 80110, USA
| | - Erik Sundström
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, BioClinicum J9:20, Karolinska University Hospital, S17164, Solna, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhang L, Fan C, Hao W, Zhuang Y, Liu X, Zhao Y, Chen B, Xiao Z, Chen Y, Dai J. NSCs Migration Promoted and Drug Delivered Exosomes-Collagen Scaffold via a Bio-Specific Peptide for One-Step Spinal Cord Injury Repair. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001896. [PMID: 33522126 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is plaguing medical professionals globally due to the complexity of injury progression. Based on tissue engineering technology, there recently emerges a promising way by integrating drugs with suitable scaffold biomaterials to mediate endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) to achieve one-step SCI repair. Herein, exosomes extracted from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MExos) are found to promote the migration of NSCs in vitro/in vivo. Utilizing MExos as drug delivery vehicles, a NSCs migration promoted and paclitaxel (PTX) delivered MExos-collagen scaffold is designed via a novel dual bio-specificity peptide (BSP) to effectively retain MExos within scaffolds. By virtue of the synergy that MExos recruit endogenous NSCs to the injured site, and PTX induce NSCs to give rise to neurons, this multifunctional scaffold has shown superior performance for motor functional recovery after complete SCI in rats by enhancing neural regeneration and reducing scar deposition. Besides, the dual bio-specific peptide demonstrates the capacity of tethering other cells-derived exosomes on collagen scaffold, such as erythrocytes-derived or NSCs-derived exosomes on collagen fibers or membranes. The resulting exosomes-collagen scaffold may serve as a potential multifunctional therapy modality for various disease treatments including SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhang
- School of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
- Key Laboratory for Nano‐Bio Interface Research Division of Nanobiomedicine Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics Chinese Academy of Sciences Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Caixia Fan
- Key Laboratory for Nano‐Bio Interface Research Division of Nanobiomedicine Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics Chinese Academy of Sciences Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Wangping Hao
- Key Laboratory for Nano‐Bio Interface Research Division of Nanobiomedicine Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics Chinese Academy of Sciences Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- School of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei 230026 China
- Key Laboratory for Nano‐Bio Interface Research Division of Nanobiomedicine Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics Chinese Academy of Sciences Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Xiru Liu
- Key Laboratory for Nano‐Bio Interface Research Division of Nanobiomedicine Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics Chinese Academy of Sciences Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100101 China
| | - Bing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100101 China
| | - Zhifeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100101 China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Key Laboratory for Nano‐Bio Interface Research Division of Nanobiomedicine Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics Chinese Academy of Sciences Suzhou 215123 China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- Key Laboratory for Nano‐Bio Interface Research Division of Nanobiomedicine Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐Bionics Chinese Academy of Sciences Suzhou 215123 China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100101 China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Yang Y, Xu HY, Deng QW, Wu GH, Zeng X, Jin H, Wang LJ, Lai BQ, Li G, Ma YH, Jiang B, Ruan JW, Wang YQ, Ding Y, Zeng YS. Electroacupuncture facilitates the integration of a grafted TrkC-modified mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural network into transected spinal cord in rats via increasing neurotrophin-3. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:776-791. [PMID: 33763978 PMCID: PMC8193704 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims This study was aimed to investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) would increase the secretion of neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) from injured spinal cord tissue, and, if so, whether the increased NT‐3 would promote the survival, differentiation, and migration of grafted tyrosine kinase C (TrkC)‐modified mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐derived neural network cells. We next sought to determine if the latter would integrate with the host spinal cord neural circuit to improve the neurological function of injured spinal cord. Methods After NT‐3‐modified Schwann cells (SCs) and TrkC‐modified MSCs were co‐cultured in a gelatin sponge scaffold for 14 days, the MSCs differentiated into neuron‐like cells that formed a MSC‐derived neural network (MN) implant. On this basis, we combined the MN implantation with EA in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI) and performed immunohistochemical staining, neural tracing, electrophysiology, and behavioral testing after 8 weeks. Results Electroacupuncture application enhanced the production of endogenous NT‐3 in damaged spinal cord tissues. The increase in local NT‐3 production promoted the survival, migration, and maintenance of the grafted MN, which expressed NT‐3 high‐affinity TrkC. The combination of MN implantation and EA application improved cortical motor‐evoked potential relay and facilitated the locomotor performance of the paralyzed hindlimb compared with those of controls. These results suggest that the MN was better integrated into the host spinal cord neural network after EA treatment compared with control treatment. Conclusions Electroacupuncture as an adjuvant therapy for TrkC‐modified MSC‐derived MN, acted by increasing the local production of NT‐3, which accelerated neural network reconstruction and restoration of spinal cord function following SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Yu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Wen Deng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Hui Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Jin
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lai-Jian Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bi-Qin Lai
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ge Li
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Huan Ma
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Wen Ruan
- Department of Acupuncture, The 1st Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Qiong Wang
- Department of Electron Microscope, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Shan Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute of Spinal Cord Injury, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wind M, Gogolou A, Manipur I, Granata I, Butler L, Andrews PW, Barbaric I, Ning K, Guarracino MR, Placzek M, Tsakiridis A. Defining the signalling determinants of a posterior ventral spinal cord identity in human neuromesodermal progenitor derivatives. Development 2021; 148:dev194415. [PMID: 33658223 PMCID: PMC8015249 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The anteroposterior axial identity of motor neurons (MNs) determines their functionality and vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Thus, it is a crucial parameter in the design of strategies aiming to produce MNs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) for regenerative medicine/disease modelling applications. However, the in vitro generation of posterior MNs corresponding to the thoracic/lumbosacral spinal cord has been challenging. Although the induction of cells resembling neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs), the bona fide precursors of the spinal cord, offers a promising solution, the progressive specification of posterior MNs from these cells is not well defined. Here, we determine the signals guiding the transition of human NMP-like cells toward thoracic ventral spinal cord neurectoderm. We show that combined WNT-FGF activities drive a posterior dorsal pre-/early neural state, whereas suppression of TGFβ-BMP signalling pathways promotes a ventral identity and neural commitment. Based on these results, we define an optimised protocol for the generation of thoracic MNs that can efficiently integrate within the neural tube of chick embryos. We expect that our findings will facilitate the comparison of hPSC-derived spinal cord cells of distinct axial identities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wind
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Antigoni Gogolou
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ichcha Manipur
- Computational and Data Science Laboratory, High Performance Computing and Networking Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Ilaria Granata
- Computational and Data Science Laboratory, High Performance Computing and Networking Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Napoli 80131, Italy
| | - Larissa Butler
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Peter W Andrews
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ke Ning
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | | | - Marysia Placzek
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Anestis Tsakiridis
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Biomedical Science and Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Puls B, Ding Y, Zhang F, Pan M, Lei Z, Pei Z, Jiang M, Bai Y, Forsyth C, Metzger M, Rana T, Zhang L, Ding X, Keefe M, Cai A, Redilla A, Lai M, He K, Li H, Chen G. Regeneration of Functional Neurons After Spinal Cord Injury via in situ NeuroD1-Mediated Astrocyte-to-Neuron Conversion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:591883. [PMID: 33425896 PMCID: PMC7793709 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.591883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to impaired motor and sensory functions, partially because the injury-induced neuronal loss cannot be easily replenished through endogenous mechanisms. In vivo neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology to regenerate neurons from endogenous glial cells by forced expression of neurogenic transcription factors. We have previously demonstrated successful astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in mouse brains with injury or Alzheimer's disease by overexpressing a single neural transcription factor NeuroD1. Here we demonstrate regeneration of spinal cord neurons from reactive astrocytes after SCI through AAV NeuroD1-based gene therapy. We find that NeuroD1 converts reactive astrocytes into neurons in the dorsal horn of stab-injured spinal cord with high efficiency (~95%). Interestingly, NeuroD1-converted neurons in the dorsal horn mostly acquire glutamatergic neuronal subtype, expressing spinal cord-specific markers such as Tlx3 but not brain-specific markers such as Tbr1, suggesting that the astrocytic lineage and local microenvironment affect the cell fate after conversion. Electrophysiological recordings show that the NeuroD1-converted neurons can functionally mature and integrate into local spinal cord circuitry by displaying repetitive action potentials and spontaneous synaptic responses. We further show that NeuroD1-mediated neuronal conversion can occur in the contusive SCI model with a long delay after injury, allowing future studies to further evaluate this in vivo reprogramming technology for functional recovery after SCI. In conclusion, this study may suggest a paradigm shift from classical axonal regeneration to neuronal regeneration for spinal cord repair, using in vivo astrocyte-to-neuron conversion technology to regenerate functional new neurons in the gray matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Puls
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Fengyu Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Mengjie Pan
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zhuofan Lei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Zifei Pei
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Mei Jiang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Cody Forsyth
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Morgan Metzger
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Tanvi Rana
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Xiaoyun Ding
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Matthew Keefe
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Alice Cai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Austin Redilla
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Michael Lai
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Kevin He
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Biology, Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Pottmeier P, Doszyn O, Peuckert C, Jazin E. Increased Expression of Y-Encoded Demethylases During Differentiation of Human Male Neural Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2020; 29:1497-1509. [PMID: 33040644 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2020.0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human neural stem cells (hNSCs) have long been used as an in vitro model to study neurogenesis and as candidates for nervous system therapy. Many parameters have been considered when evaluating the success of transplantation, but sex of donor and recipients is often not discussed. We investigated two commercial NSC lines, the female hNSC-H9 and male hNSC-H14, and we observed faster growth rates in the male cells. At 4 days of differentiation, male cells presented a significant increase in expression of DCX, an immature neuronal marker, while female cells showed a significant increase in RMST, a long noncoding RNA, which is indispensable during neurogenesis. In addition, expression of neural markers MAP2, PSD95, SYP, DCX, and TUJ1 at day 14 of differentiation suggested a similar differentiation potential in both lines. The most significant differences at day 14 of differentiation were the expression levels of RELN, with almost 100-fold difference between the sexes, and MASH1, with more than 1,000-fold increase in male cells. To evaluate whether some of the observed differences may be sex related, we measured the expression of gametologous genes located on the X- and Y-chromosome. Most noticeable was the increase of Y-encoded demethylases KDM6C (UTY) and KDM5D during differentiation of male cells. Our results indicate that attention should be paid to sex when planning neurogenesis and transplantation experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Pottmeier
- Department of Organismal Biology, EBC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Doszyn
- Department of Organismal Biology, EBC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Department of Organismal Biology, EBC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Biology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Jazin
- Department of Organismal Biology, EBC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang Z, Du J, Lachance BB, Mascarenhas C, He J, Jia X. Intracerebroventricular Administration of hNSCs Improves Neurological Recovery after Cardiac Arrest in Rats. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 17:923-937. [PMID: 33140234 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10067-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Irreversible brain injury and neurological dysfunction induced by cardiac arrest (CA) have long been a clinical challenge due to lack of effective therapeutic interventions to reverse neuronal loss and prevent secondary reperfusion injury. The neuronal regenerative potential of neural stem cells (NSCs) provides a possible solution to this clinical deficit. We investigated the neuronal recovery potential of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) via intracerebroventricular (ICV) xenotransplantation after CA in rats and the effects of transplanted NSCs on the proliferation and migration of endogenous NSCs. Outcome measures included neurological functional recovery measured by neurological deficit score (NDS), electrophysiologic analysis of EEG, and assessment of proliferation and migration at the cellular level and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway at the molecular level. Neurological functional assessment based on aggregate neurological deficit score (NDS) showed better recovery of function after hNSCs therapy (P < 0.05). Tracking of stem cells' proliferation with Ki67 antibody suggested that the NSCs group had more prominent proliferation compared to control group (number of Ki67+ cells, Control VS. NSC: 89.0 ± 31.6 VS. 352.7 ± 97.3, P < 0.05). In addition, cell migration tracked by Dcx antibody showed more Dcx + cells migrated to the far distance zone from SVZ in the treatment group (P < 0.05). Further immunofluorescence staining confirmed that the expression of the Wnt signaling pathway protein (β-catenin) was upregulated in the NSC group (P < 0.05). ICV delivery of hNSCs promotes endogenous NSC proliferation and migration and ultimately enhances neuronal survival and neurological functional recovery. Wnt/β-catenin pathway may be involved in the initiation and maintenance of this enhancement.Graphical abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoran Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 43007, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 South Pine Street, MSTF Building 823, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 South Pine Street, MSTF Building 823, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Brittany Bolduc Lachance
- Program in Trauma, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Conrad Mascarenhas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 South Pine Street, MSTF Building 823, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Junyun He
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 South Pine Street, MSTF Building 823, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 10 South Pine Street, MSTF Building 823, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. .,Department of Orthopedics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. .,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mozafari S, Baron-Van Evercooren A. Human stem cell-derived oligodendrocytes: From humanized animal models to cell therapy in myelin diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 116:53-61. [PMID: 33082116 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes are main targets in demyelinating and dysmyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), but are also involved in accidental, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The underlying pathology of these diseases is not fully understood and treatments are still lacking. The recent discovery of the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has open the possibility to address the biology of human oligodendroglial cells both in the dish and in vivo via engraftment in animal models, and paves the way for the development of treatment for myelin disorders. In this review, we make a short overview of the different sources human oligodendroglial cells, and animal models available for pre-clinical cell therapy. We discuss the anatomical and functional benefit of grafted iPSC-progenitors over their brain counterparts, their use in disease modeling and the missing gaps that still prevent to study their biology in the most integrated way, and to translate iPSC-stem cell based therapy to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Mozafari
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière-Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, INSERM, U1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université UM75, F-75013 Paris, France; CNRS, UMR 7225, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et MarieCurie Paris 06, UM-75, Paris, France
| | - Anne Baron-Van Evercooren
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Epinière-Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, INSERM, U1127, CNRS, UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université UM75, F-75013 Paris, France; CNRS, UMR 7225, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université Pierre et MarieCurie Paris 06, UM-75, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ciciriello AJ, Smith DR, Munsell MK, Boyd SJ, Shea LD, Dumont CM. Acute Implantation of Aligned Hydrogel Tubes Supports Delayed Spinal Progenitor Implantation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:5771-5784. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Ciciriello
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33156, United States
- Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute at the University of Miami (BioNIUM), University of Miami, 1951 NW Seventh Avenue Suite 475, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Dominique R. Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Mary K. Munsell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Sydney J. Boyd
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33156, United States
| | - Lonnie D. Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2300 Hayward Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Courtney M. Dumont
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, 1251 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33156, United States
- Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute at the University of Miami (BioNIUM), University of Miami, 1951 NW Seventh Avenue Suite 475, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ceto S, Sekiguchi KJ, Takashima Y, Nimmerjahn A, Tuszynski MH. Neural Stem Cell Grafts Form Extensive Synaptic Networks that Integrate with Host Circuits after Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:430-440.e5. [PMID: 32758426 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPC) grafts can integrate into sites of spinal cord injury (SCI) and generate neuronal relays across lesions that can provide functional benefit. To determine if and how grafts become synaptically organized and connect with host systems, we performed calcium imaging of NSPC grafts in SCI sites in vivo and in adult spinal cord slices. NSPC grafts organize into localized and spontaneously active synaptic networks. Optogenetic stimulation of host corticospinal tract axons regenerating into grafts elicited distinct and segregated neuronal network responses throughout the graft. Moreover, optogenetic stimulation of graft-derived axons extending from the graft into the denervated spinal cord also triggered local host neuronal network responses. In vivo imaging revealed that behavioral stimulation likewise elicited focal synaptic responses within grafts. Thus neural progenitor grafts can form functional synaptic subnetworks whose activity patterns resemble intact spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ceto
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA.
| | - Kohei J Sekiguchi
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yoshio Takashima
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Axel Nimmerjahn
- Waitt Advanced Biophotonics Center, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mark H Tuszynski
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA.
| |
Collapse
|