CNPase Expression in Olfactory Ensheathing Cells

Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2011 · DOI: 10.1155/2011/608496 · Published: August 17, 2011

Simple Explanation

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) can be transplanted into nerve or spinal cord injuries to promote axonal regeneration and remyelination. The study examined CNPase expression in the olfactory bulb and in vitro to determine if OECs express CNPase commensurate with their myelination potential. OECs in the outer nerve layer of CNPase transgenic mice express CNPase, indicating their potential to form myelin when transplanted into injured peripheral nerve.

Study Duration

5 weeks

Participants

Adult Sprague Dawley rats (n = 12)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
OECs in the outer nerve layer of the olfactory bulb express CNPase.
2
Cultured OECs from CNPase transgenic mice maintain their GFP expression, indicating continued CNPase expression in vitro.
3
OECs transplanted into injured peripheral nerve remyelinate regenerating axons and form nodes of Ranvier with appropriate sodium channel expression.

Research Summary

This study investigates CNPase expression in olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) using CNPase-eGFP transgenic mice, finding that OECs in the olfactory bulb express CNPase, a marker for myelinating cells. The study demonstrates that OECs maintain CNPase expression in culture and that transplanted OECs can remyelinate regenerated nerve fibers in injured peripheral nerves. These findings suggest that OECs possess the molecular machinery necessary for myelination, supporting their potential as a therapeutic tool for nerve repair, CNS trauma, and demyelinating diseases.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for Nerve Repair

OECs can be used as a therapeutic tool in peripheral nerve repair.

Treatment for CNS Trauma

OECs can be used as a therapeutic tool in CNS trauma.

Treatment for Demyelinating Diseases

OECs can be used as a therapeutic tool in demyelinating diseases.

Study Limitations

1
Differences in OEC transplantation studies exist due to variations in animal age, purification procedures, and lesion models.
2
Minor contamination of Schwann cells in OEC cultures could potentially influence results.
3
The reasons for differing remyelination outcomes in spinal cord vs. optic nerve with OEC transplantation remain uncertain.

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