Function of GSK‑3 signaling in spinal cord injury
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE, 2023 · DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12240 · Published: August 10, 2023
Simple Explanation
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major social problem with a heavy burden on patient physiology and psychology. Exploring the key mechanism of SCI is crucial for finding further treatments. Glycogen synthase kinase‑3 (GSK‑3) is a widely expressed kinase with important physiological and pathophysiological functions in vivo. The present review summarized the roles of GSK‑3 signaling in SCI to aid in the understanding of GSK‑3 signaling during the pathological processes of SCI and to provide evidence for the development of comprehensive treatments.
Key Findings
- 1SCI can decrease the phosphorylated (p)/total (t)‑GSK‑3β ratio, which leads to an increase in apoptosis, whereas treatment with GSK‑3 inhibitors can promote neurogenesis.
- 2Several therapies for the treatment of SCI involve signaling pathways associated with GSK‑3.
- 3Signaling pathways associated with GSK‑3 also participate in the pathological process of neuropathic pain that remains following SCI.
Research Summary
Practical Implications
Therapeutic Target
GSK-3 signaling can be considered a potential therapeutic target for SCI.
Neurogenesis Promotion
Treatment with GSK-3 inhibitors can promote neurogenesis after SCI.
Neuropathic Pain Management
GSK-3 signaling pathways may be involved in the pathological process of neuropathic pain following SCI.
Study Limitations
- 1GSK-3 inhibitors promoting neurogenesis in SCI are mainly generated from in vitro experiments.
- 2Development of therapies based on GSK-3 still needs further study.
- 3Dual role of glial scars makes it difficult to be used as a therapeutic target