Dynamic membrane depolarization is an early regulator of ependymoglial cell response to spinal cord injury in axolotl

Dev Biol, 2015 · DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.10.012 · Published: December 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Physiology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Salamanders, unlike mammals, can regenerate a fully functional spinal cord after injury. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms that initiate this regenerative response. The researchers found that spinal cord injury induces a rapid and dynamic change in the resting membrane potential of ependymoglial cells. Ependymoglial cells are a type of cell that lines the central canal of the spinal cord and functions as resident neural stem cells. Prolonged depolarization of these cells inhibits their proliferation and subsequent axon regeneration, suggesting that dynamic changes in membrane potential are essential for spinal cord regeneration. The study also identified c-Fos as a key voltage-sensitive early response gene.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Axolotls (3–5 cm long)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Spinal cord injury induces a rapid and dynamic change in the resting membrane potential of ependymoglial cells in axolotls.
2
Prolonged depolarization of ependymoglial cells after injury inhibits their proliferation and subsequent axon regeneration.
3
c-Fos was identified as a key voltage-sensitive early response gene expressed specifically in ependymoglial cells after injury.

Research Summary

This study investigates the response of ependymoglial cells to spinal cord injury in axolotls, focusing on the role of membrane potential dynamics in regeneration. The research demonstrates that spinal cord injury induces a rapid and dynamic change in the resting membrane potential of ependymoglial cells, which is crucial for initiating a pro-regenerative response. Prolonged depolarization inhibits ependymoglial cell proliferation and axon regeneration, while the voltage-sensitive gene c-Fos is identified as a key player in this process.

Practical Implications

Understanding Regeneration

Provides insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying spinal cord regeneration in axolotls.

Potential Therapeutic Targets

Identifies potential therapeutic targets for promoting spinal cord regeneration in mammals, such as manipulating membrane potential or c-Fos expression.

Bioelectric Signaling

Highlights the importance of bioelectric signaling in tissue regeneration and development.

Study Limitations

1
The study is limited to axolotls, and the findings may not be directly applicable to mammals.
2
The exact mechanisms by which changes in membrane potential regulate gene expression and cellular processes are not fully elucidated.
3
Further research is needed to identify other potential interacting partners of c-Fos in ependymoglial cells.

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