Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Transplants Improve Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

This study investigates a cell-based therapy for cervical spinal cord injuries (SCI) using human embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). The researchers transplanted these cells into rats with induced cervical SCI to evaluate their potential for improving recovery. The transplantation of hESC-derived OPCs attenuated lesion pathogenesis and improved recovery of forelimb function. This suggests that the transplanted cells helped to protect the spinal cord tissue and enhance motor function. Histological analysis showed that transplantation resulted in robust white and gray matter sparing at the injury epicenter, and preservation of motor neurons. This preservation correlated with movement recovery, indicating a direct link between tissue protection and functional improvement.

• 1
  Transplanted hESC-derived OPCs survived, localized to the injury site, and differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes.
• 2
  OPC transplantation improved forelimb motor function after cervical spinal cord injury, including stride length and range of motion.
• 3
  OPC transplantation altered lesion pathogenesis by reducing cavitation, increasing spared white and gray matter, and promoting motor neuron sparing.