scholarly journals GP.04 Smart human neural stem cells to degrade scar and optimize regeneration after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (s2) ◽  
pp. S9-S9
Author(s):  
CS Ahuja ◽  
M Khazaei ◽  
P Chan ◽  
J Bhavsar ◽  
Y Yao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Neural Stem Cells ◽  
Chronic Injury ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Degrading Enzyme ◽  
Genetically Engineer ◽  
Cord Injury

Background: Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells (hiPS-NSCs) represent an exciting therapeutic approach for traumatically spinal cord injury (SCI). Unfortunately, most patients are the in chronic injury phase where a dense perilesional chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) scar significantly hinders regeneration. CSPG-degrading enzymes can enhance NSC-mediated recovery, however, nonspecific intrathecal administration causes off-target effects. We aimed to genetically engineer hiPS-NSCs to express a scar-degrading ENZYME into their local environment to enhance functional recovery. Methods: A bicistronic scar-degrading ENZYME and RFP reporter vector was non-virally integrated into hiPS-NSCs and monoclonalized. ENZYME activity was assessed by WST-1 and DMMB biochemical assays and an in vitro CSPG spot assay with hiPS-NSC-derived neurons. To assess in vivo efficacy, T-cell deficient rats (N=60) with chronic (8wk) C6-7 SCIs were randomized to receive (1)SMaRT cells, (2)hiPS-NSCs, (3)vehicle, or (4)sham surgery. Results: SMaRT cells retained key hiPS-NSC characteristics while stably expressing ENZYME. The expressed ENZYME could appropriately degrade in vitro and ex vivo CSPGs. While blinded neurobehavioural and immunohistochemical assessments are ongoing at 40wks post-injury, an interim analysis demonstrated human cells extending remarkably long (≥20,000µm) axons along host white matter tracts. Conclusions: This work provides exciting proof-of-concept data that genetically-engineered SMaRT cells can degrade CSPGs and human NSCs can extend long-distance processes in chronic SCI.

scholarly journals Immunosuppressants Affect Human Neural Stem Cells In Vitro but Not in an In Vivo Model of Spinal Cord Injury

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 731-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Sontag ◽  
Hal X. Nguyen ◽  
Noriko Kamei ◽  
Nobuko Uchida ◽  
Aileen J. Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Neural Stem Cells ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Human Neural Stem Cells ◽  
Cord Injury

scholarly journals Rosiglitazone Ameliorates Spinal Cord Injury via Inhibiting Mitophagy and Inflammation of Neural Stem Cells

2022 ◽  
Vol 2022 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Qingqi Meng ◽  
Zhiteng Chen ◽  
Qingyuan Gao ◽  
Liqiong Hu ◽  
Qilong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Neural Stem Cells ◽  
Atp Production ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injury (SCI) are prevalent in clinical practice. Inhibition of hyperactive inflammation and proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) is a promising treatment strategy for SCI. Our previous studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of rosiglitazone (Rosi) on SCI, but its roles in inflammation inhibition and proliferation of NSCs are unknown. Methods. SCI in a rat model was established, and the effects of Rosi on motor functions were assessed. The effects of Rosi on NSC proliferation and the underlying mechanisms were explored in details. Results. We showed that Rosi ameliorated impairment of moto functions in SCI rats, inhibited inflammation, and promoted proliferation of NSCs in vivo. Rosi increased ATP production through enhancing glycolysis but not oxidative phosphorylation. Rosi reduced mitophagy by downregulating PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) transcription to promote NSC proliferation, which was effectively reversed by an overexpression of PINK1 in vitro. Through KEGG analysis and experimental validations, we discovered that Rosi reduced the expression of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) which was a critical transcription factor of PINK1. Three FOXO1 consensus sequences (FCSs) were found in the first intron of the PINK1 gene, which could be potentially binding to FOXO1. The proximal FCS (chr 5: 156680169–156680185) from the translation start site exerted a more significant influence on PINK1 transcription than the other two FCSs. The overexpression of FOXO1 entirely relieved the inhibition of PINK1 transcription in the presence of Rosi. Conclusions. Besides inflammation inhibition, Rosi suppressed mitophagy by reducing FOXO1 to decrease the transcription of PINK1, which played a pivotal role in accelerating the NSC proliferation.

scholarly journals Long-Distance Growth and Connectivity of Neural Stem Cells after Severe Spinal Cord Injury

Cell ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 150 (6) ◽  
pp. 1264-1273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Lu ◽  
Yaozhi Wang ◽  
Lori Graham ◽  
Karla McHale ◽  
Mingyong Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Neural Stem Cells ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Cord Injury
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