Human Spinal Oligodendrogenic Neural Progenitor Cells Enhance Pathophysiological Outcomes and Functional Recovery in a Clinically Relevant Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model

Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2023 · DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szad044 · Published: August 24, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Stem cell transplantation, of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) in particular, is considered a promising treatment option for spinal cord injury (SCI), due to their ability to differentiate into oligodendrocytes, neurons, and astrocytes, which are known to be lost following injury. The replacement of lost oligodendrocytes and oligodendroglial precursor cells is important to promote functional recovery. In this study, we transplanted oNPCs into a clinically relevant model of cervical contusion/compression SCI and confirmed their efficacy in improving pathophysiological and functional outcomes.

Study Duration

10 weeks

Participants

Adult female athymic Rowett Nude rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Following transplantation, the oNPCs engrafted, migrated to the rostral and caudal regions of the lesion, and demonstrated preferential differentiation toward oligodendrocytes.
2
Histopathological evaluations revealed that oNPC transplantation facilitated tissue preservation while diminishing astrogliosis.
3
Functional analyses indicated improved forelimb grip strength, gait, and locomotor function in the oNPC-transplanted rats.

Research Summary

In the current study, we presented novel findings suggesting that hiPSC-oNPCs are a promising cell source for cervical SCI treatment. We observed that these cells predominantly differentiated into oligodendrocytes while retaining tripotency. Furthermore, the iPSC-oNPCs contributed to remyelination and were associated with reduced cavity volumes, decreased astrogliosis, enhanced axonal preservation, and improved functional recovery compared to vehicle treatment.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

The study underscores the therapeutic potential of oNPCs in promoting functional recovery and histopathological improvements in cervical SCI.

Clinical Relevance

The use of a clinically relevant cervical SCI model enhances the translational value of the findings for human application.

Future Research

The evidence warrants further investigation to optimize and advance this promising cell-based therapeutic approach.

Study Limitations

1
Future studies about whether oNPC-mediated remyelination contributes to electrophysiological improvements are warranted.
2
Future analyses should assess whether these transplanted cells are capable of promoting circuit formation with functional synaptic transmission.
3
Assessments of the various neuro-trophic factors that may be expressed by oNPCs will provide additional valuable information regarding the role that the cells play in SCI.

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