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Li C, Luo Y, Li S. The roles of neural stem cells in myelin regeneration and repair therapy after spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:204. [PMID: 38978125 PMCID: PMC11232222 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03825-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex tissue injury that results in a wide range of physical deficits, including permanent or progressive disabilities of sensory, motor and autonomic functions. To date, limitations in current clinical treatment options can leave SCI patients with lifelong disabilities. There is an urgent need to develop new therapies for reconstructing the damaged spinal cord neuron-glia network and restoring connectivity with the supraspinal pathways. Neural stem cells (NSCs) possess the ability to self-renew and differentiate into neurons and neuroglia, including oligodendrocytes, which are cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath and the regeneration of demyelinated axons. For these properties, NSCs are considered to be a promising cell source for rebuilding damaged neural circuits and promoting myelin regeneration. Over the past decade, transplantation of NSCs has been extensively tested in a variety of preclinical models of SCI. This review aims to highlight the pathophysiology of SCI and promote the understanding of the role of NSCs in SCI repair therapy and the current advances in pathological mechanism, pre-clinical studies, as well as clinical trials of SCI via NSC transplantation therapeutic strategy. Understanding and mastering these frontier updates will pave the way for establishing novel therapeutic strategies to improve the quality of recovery from SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Siguang Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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2
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Fan Y, Goh ELK, Chan JKY. Neural Cells for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Clinical Trials. Stem Cells Transl Med 2023; 12:510-526. [PMID: 37487111 PMCID: PMC10427968 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad041] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) are an entire spectrum of clinical conditions that affect the central and peripheral nervous system. There is no cure currently, with treatment focusing mainly on slowing down progression or symptomatic relief. Cellular therapies with various cell types from different sources are being conducted as clinical trials for several ND diseases. They include neural, mesenchymal and hemopoietic stem cells, and neural cells derived from embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we present the list of cellular therapies for ND comprising 33 trials that used neural stem progenitors, 8 that used differentiated neural cells ,and 109 trials that involved non-neural cells in the 7 ND. Encouraging results have been shown in a few early-phase clinical trials that require further investigations in a randomized setting. However, such definitive trials may not be possible given the relative cost of the trials, and in the setting of rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eyleen L K Goh
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Faculty, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Latham LE, Dobrovolsky VN, Liu S, Talpos JC, Hanig JP, Slikker W, Wang C, Liu F. Establishment of neural stem cells from fetal monkey brain for neurotoxicity testing. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:633-640. [PMID: 37208932 PMCID: PMC10350806 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231168145] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxicity assessments are generally performed using laboratory animals. However, as in vitro neurotoxicity models are continuously refined to reach adequate predicative concordance with in vivo responses, they are increasingly used for some endpoints of neurotoxicity. In this study, gestational day 80 fetal rhesus monkey brain tissue was obtained for neural stem cells (NSCs) isolation. Cells from the entire hippocampus were harvested, mechanically dissociated, and cultured for proliferation and differentiation. Immunocytochemical staining and biological assays demonstrated that the harvested hippocampal cells exhibited typical NSC phenotypes in vitro: (1) cells proliferated vigorously and expressed NSC markers nestin and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) and (2) cells differentiated into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, as confirmed by positive staining with class III β-tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and galactocerebroside, respectively. The NSC produced detectable responses following neurotoxicant exposures (e.g. trimethyltin and 3-nitropropionic acid). Our results indicated that non-human primate NSCs may be a practical tool to study the biology of neural cells and to evaluate the neurotoxicity of chemicals in vitro, thereby providing data that are translatable to humans and may also reduce the number of animals needed for developmental neurotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah E Latham
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Vasily N Dobrovolsky
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Shuliang Liu
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - John C Talpos
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Joseph P Hanig
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20903, USA
| | - William Slikker
- Office of Director, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Cheng Wang
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
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Azeez IA, Awogbindin IO, Olayinka JN, Folarin RO, Adamu AS, Ior LD, Shehu AM, Mukhtar AI, Ajeigbe OF, Emokpae AO, Usende IL, Babatunde BR, Yusha'u Y, Olateju OI, Kamoga R, Benson AIO, Oparaji KC, Owemidu IO, Iliyasu MO, Imam MI, Olopade JO. Neural stem cell research in Africa: current realities and future prospects. Biol Open 2022; 11:280534. [PMID: 36326097 PMCID: PMC9641530 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are immature progenitor cells that are found in developing and adult brains that have the potential of dividing actively and renewing themselves, with a complex form of gene expression. The generation of new brain cells in adult individuals was initially considered impossible, however, the landmark discovery of human neural stem cells in the hippocampus has been followed by further discoveries in other discreet regions of the brain. Investigation into the current state in Africa of the research and use of NSCs shows relatively limited activities on the continent. Information on the African application of NSCs for modelling disease mechanisms, drug discovery, and therapeutics is still limited. The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO)-African Regional Committee (ARC), with support from the Company of Biologists, and the Movement Disorder Society, sponsored the first African Basic School on NSC in Ibadan, Nigeria, with the vision of bringing together young neuroscientists and physicians across different fields in neuroscience to learn from leaders who have applied NSCs in stem cell research, the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, neuroanatomy, and neurotherapeutics. Twenty early-career researchers in academic institutions at junior and senior faculty cadres were selected from South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria. The students and organizer of the school, who wrote this review on the state of NSCs research in Africa, recommended the following: (1) other African countries can take a cue from South Africa and Nigeria in probing the phenomena of adult neurogenesis in unique animal species on the continent; (2) Africa should leverage the expertise and facilities of South African scientists and international collaborators in scaling up NSC research into these unique species and (3) Centers of Excellence should be established on the continent to serve as research hubs for training postgraduate students, and facilities for African scientists who trained overseas on NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idris A. Azeez
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Jos 1 , Jos, 930001 Nigeria
| | | | - Juliet N. Olayinka
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Afe Babalola University 3 , Ado-Ekiti, 360001 Nigeria
| | - Royhaan O. Folarin
- Department of Anatomy, Olabisi Onabanjo University 4 , Ago-Iwoye, 120107 Nigeria
| | - Abubakar S. Adamu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University 5 , Zaria, 810107 , Nigeria
| | - Lydia D. Ior
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Jos 6 , Jos, 930001 , Nigeria
| | - Asmau M. Shehu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Federal University Dutse 7 , Dutse, 720223 , Nigeria
- School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand 8 , Johannesburg, Wits 2050 , South Africa
| | - Abubakar I. Mukhtar
- Department of Human Anatomy, Ahmadu Bello University 5 , Zaria, 810107 , Nigeria
| | - Olufunke F. Ajeigbe
- Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, 340112 9 Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Programme , , Nigeria
| | | | - Ifukibot L. Usende
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Abuja 11 , Abuja, 900105 , Nigeria
| | | | - Yusuf Yusha'u
- Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University 12 , Zaria, 810107 , Nigeria
| | - Oladiran I. Olateju
- School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand 8 , Johannesburg, Wits 2050 , South Africa
| | - Ronald Kamoga
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology 13 , Mbarara P.O. Box 1410 , Uganda
| | - Ayoola I. O. Benson
- Department of Human Anatomy, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin 14 , Abakaliki, 482131 Nigeria
| | - Kenneth C. Oparaji
- Department of Physiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike 15 , Abakaliki, 482131 , Nigeria
| | - Idowu O. Owemidu
- Department of Physiology, Kogi State University 16 , Anyigba, 272102 , Nigeria
| | - Musa O. Iliyasu
- Department of Anatomy, Kogi State University 17 , Anyigba, 272102 , Nigeria
| | - Maryam I. Imam
- Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University 12 , Zaria, 810107 , Nigeria
| | - James O. Olopade
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Ibadan 18 , Ibadan, 200005 , Nigeria
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Sánchez-Maldonado B, Galicia MDL, Rojo C, González-Gil A, Flor-García M, Picazo RA. Spheroids Spontaneously Generated In Vitro from Sheep Ovarian Cortical Cells Contain Integrating Cells That Exhibit Hallmarks of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:1557-1576. [PMID: 30251912 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell spheroids are inducible or spontaneously generated cell aggregates produced in vitro that can provide a valuable model for developmental biology, stem cell biology, and cancer therapy research. This investigation aimed to define the cellular identity of spheroids spontaneously generated in vitro from sheep ovarian cortical cells cultured under specific serum-free conditions. Spheroids were characterized during 21 days of culture by morphometric evaluation, detection of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, gene expression analyses of stemness transcription factors and several lineage markers, immunolocalization analyses, as well as assessment of self-renewal and differentiation potential. Cell aggregation, evidenced from day 3 of culture onward, resulted in efficient generation of 65-75 spheroids for every 500,000 cells seeded. The spheroids reached maximum diameter (187 ± 15.9 μm) during the second week of culture and exhibited AP activity. Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog were expressed throughout the culture period, with upregulation of Sox2. Neural lineage specification genes (eg, nestin, vimentin, Pax6, and p75NTR) were expressed from day 10 onward at levels above that of Oct4, Nanog and those for endoderm [alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)], and mesoderm (brachyury) specification. Neural stem cell (NSC)/neural progenitor cell (NPC) markers, nestin, Pax6, p75NTR, and vimentin, were extensively localized in cells on day 10, 15 (44.75% ± 5.84%; 93.54% ± 1.35%; 78.90% ± 4.80%; 73.82% ± 3.40%, respectively), and 21 (49.98% ± 5.30%; 91.84% ± 1.9%; 76.74% ± 11.0%; 95.80% ± 3.60%, respectively). Spheroid cell self-renewal was evidenced by cell proliferation and the generation of new spheroids during two consecutive expansion periods. Culture of spheroid cells under differentiation conditions gave rise to cells showing immunolocalization of the neuron-specific antigen NeuN and the astroglial antigen GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein). Our results indicate that spheroids spontaneously generated in this culture system were comprised of cells with molecular characteristics of NSC/NPC that can self-renew and differentiate into neurons and glia, supporting the identity of spheroids as neurospheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Sánchez-Maldonado
- 1 Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - María de Lourdes Galicia
- 2 Sección Departamental de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - Concepción Rojo
- 3 Sección Departamental de Anatomía y Embriología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - Alfredo González-Gil
- 2 Sección Departamental de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - Miguel Flor-García
- 4 Departamento de Neuropatología Molecular, Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CBMSO), CSIC-UAM , Madrid, España.,5 Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Madrid, España
| | - Rosa A Picazo
- 2 Sección Departamental de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid, España
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Abud EM, Blurton-Jones M. Could Stem Cells Be Used to Treat or Model Alzheimer’s Disease? Transl Neurosci 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7654-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Casarosa S, Bozzi Y, Conti L. Neural stem cells: ready for therapeutic applications? MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES 2014; 2:31. [PMID: 26056597 PMCID: PMC4452059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) offer a unique and powerful tool for basic research and regenerative medicine. However, the challenges that scientists face in the comprehension of the biology and physiological function of these cells are still many. Deciphering NSCs fundamental biological aspects represents indeed a crucial step to control NSCs fate and functional integration following transplantation, and is essential for a safe and appropriate use of NSCs in injury/disease conditions. In this review, we focus on the biological properties of NSCs and discuss how these cells may be exploited to provide effective therapies for neurological disorders. We also review and discuss ongoing NSC-based clinical trials for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Casarosa
- Center for Integrative Biology, Università degli Studi di Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo-Trento, 38123 Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Integrative Biology, Università degli Studi di Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo-Trento, 38123 Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- Center for Integrative Biology, Università degli Studi di Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo-Trento, 38123 Italy
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Casarosa S, Bozzi Y, Conti L. Neural stem cells: ready for therapeutic applications? MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR THERAPIES 2014; 2:31. [PMID: 26056597 PMCID: PMC4452059 DOI: 10.1186/2052-8426-2-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) offer a unique and powerful tool for basic research and regenerative medicine. However, the challenges that scientists face in the comprehension of the biology and physiological function of these cells are still many. Deciphering NSCs fundamental biological aspects represents indeed a crucial step to control NSCs fate and functional integration following transplantation, and is essential for a safe and appropriate use of NSCs in injury/disease conditions. In this review, we focus on the biological properties of NSCs and discuss how these cells may be exploited to provide effective therapies for neurological disorders. We also review and discuss ongoing NSC-based clinical trials for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Casarosa
- Center for Integrative Biology, Università degli Studi di Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo-Trento, 38123 Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Integrative Biology, Università degli Studi di Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo-Trento, 38123 Italy
| | - Luciano Conti
- Center for Integrative Biology, Università degli Studi di Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo-Trento, 38123 Italy
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