Polysialylated Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule-Positive CNS Precursors Generate Both Oligodendrocytes and Schwann Cells to Remyelinate the CNS after Transplantation

The Journal of Neuroscience, 1999 · DOI: · Published: September 1, 1999

Neurology Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of neural precursor cells, specifically those expressing polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), to regenerate myelin in demyelinated lesions in the adult rat spinal cord. The researchers transplanted these precursor cells into chemically induced demyelinated lesions and observed the remyelination process. Surprisingly, they found that both oligodendrocytes (CNS myelin-forming cells) and Schwann cells (PNS myelin-forming cells) were involved in remyelination, suggesting a broader differentiation potential of these precursor cells than previously thought.

Study Duration

1 Month

Participants

Adult inbred Lewis rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
PSA-NCAM1 neural precursors can efficiently remyelinate demyelinated lesions in the adult rat spinal cord.
2
Remyelination is carried out by both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, indicating that the transplanted precursors differentiate into both CNS and PNS myelin-forming cells.
3
The Schwann cells observed in the remyelinated lesions are derived from the transplanted PSA-NCAM1 neural precursors and not from contaminating Schwann cells.

Research Summary

The study demonstrates that PSA-NCAM1 neural precursors, when transplanted into demyelinated lesions in the adult rat spinal cord, can efficiently remyelinate axons. This remyelination is achieved by both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, indicating a previously unappreciated differentiation potential of these precursor cells to generate both CNS and PNS myelin-forming cells in vivo. The transplanted cells, rather than contaminating cells, are the source of the remyelinating Schwann cells. This study provides insights into cell transplantation strategies for treating chronic demyelination.

Practical Implications

Cell Transplantation Strategies

The findings support the development of cell transplantation strategies for treating demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Expanded Differentiation Potential

The study reveals the unexpected potential of PSA-NCAM1 neural precursors to generate both CNS and PNS myelin-forming cells, expanding our understanding of their differentiation capabilities.

Therapeutic Development

The results provide a foundation for isolating and expanding human neural precursors with similar remyelination potential for therapeutic applications.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in rats, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The demyelination was chemically induced, which may not fully replicate the complexities of demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.
3
The precise signals within the demyelinating lesions that instruct the PSA-NCAM1 neural precursors to generate Schwann cells remain to be fully elucidated.

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