Extensive cell migration, axon regeneration and improved function with polysialic acid-modified Schwann cells after spinal cord injury

Glia, 2012 · DOI: 10.1002/glia.22330 · Published: May 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

The study explores using modified Schwann cells (SCs) to repair spinal cord injuries (SCI). The modification involves adding polysialic acid (PSA) to the SCs, which has been shown to promote cell migration. The researchers compared SCs with PSA to regular SCs in rats with spinal cord contusions. They looked at how well the SCs migrated, supported axon growth, and improved function. The findings suggest that PSA modification enhances SC migration, supports axon growth, and leads to better functional outcomes after SCI. This could be a promising approach for SCI repair.

Study Duration

11 weeks

Participants

34 adult female Fischer rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
PST-GFP SCs migrated significantly farther from the injury site compared to GFP SCs, extending up to 4.4 mm into the host tissue.
2
PST-GFP SC implants showed extensive in-growth of serotonergic and corticospinal axons, which was limited in GFP SC controls.
3
Animals receiving PST-GFP SCs exhibited improved functional outcomes in open-field locomotion and gridwalk tests compared to GFP SC controls and SCI-only controls.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effects of implanting polysialic acid (PSA)-modified Schwann cells (SCs) into a spinal cord contusion injury model in rats. The results indicate that PSA modification enhances SC migration, promotes the in-growth of serotonergic and corticospinal axons, and improves functional outcomes. The study concludes that PSA-modified SCs have significant potential as a therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury repair, warranting further investigation.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Cell Migration

PSA modification can overcome limitations of SC migration, allowing them to reach and support more axons.

Improved Axon Growth

PSA-modified SCs can significantly enhance the growth of key axonal systems, such as the corticospinal tract, which are crucial for motor function.

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

The findings support the development of PSA-modified SCs as a promising cell-based therapy for spinal cord injury.

Study Limitations

1
It is not clear whether PSA surface production directly enhanced the ability of SCs to support axon growth through altered contact-dependent interactions.
2
It is not clear whether all the fibers that are seen growing within the graft of our experimental SCI model have regenerated from severed axons or are collateral sprouts from intact fibers spared from injury.
3
While not examined in the current study, another important function of SCs is the myelination of axons so as to permit normal axon conduction.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury