Concise Review: The Potential of Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 and Its Receptors to Promote Stem Cell Functions in Spinal Cord Repair

This review discusses the role of SDF-1 in stem and progenitor cell biology following CNS injury and suggests strategies for how manipulation of the SDF-1 system could facilitate stem cell-based therapeutic approaches in SCI. SDF-1 and its receptors play a critical role in the development of the central nervous system. After traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), SDF-1 and CXCR4 expression is upregulated. Transplanted stem cells provide beneficial effects on regeneration/recovery after spinal cord injury by the release of growth-promoting factors and increased tissue preservation.

• 1
  SDF-1 is crucial for recruiting transplanted stem cells and endogenous progenitor cells to promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
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  SDF-1 can directly drive the proliferation, survival, and maturation of OPC and EPCs to promote remyelination and neovascularization.
• 3
  SDF-1 directly stimulates axon growth in vitro and in damaged spinal cord, making it a potential therapeutic target for SCI.