Restoration of anatomical continuity after spinal cord transection depends on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in larval zebraﬁsh

Data in Brief, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2017.10.068 · Published: November 4, 2017

Neurology Genetics Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study uses a larval zebrafish spinal cord injury model to investigate spinal cord regeneration. The researchers assessed whether the severed ends of the spinal cord structurally reconnect after injury, focusing on the restoration of anatomical continuity. They found that anatomical continuity is rapidly restored after complete spinal cord transection, and this process depends on Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Study Duration

3 days post-lesion

Participants

Zebrafish larvae (3 days post-fertilization)

Evidence Level

Experimental study

Key Findings

1
Anatomical continuity is rapidly restored after complete spinal cord transection in larval zebrafish.
2
Restoration of spinal cord continuity depends on Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
3
Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling (using IWR-1) significantly reduced the proportion of animals showing dextran labeling in the spinal cord caudal to the lesion site.

Research Summary

The study investigates spinal cord regeneration in larval zebrafish after mechanical transection, focusing on the restoration of anatomical continuity. Spreading of fluorescently-labelled dextran along the spinal cord was used to assess reconnection after lesion. Results indicate that anatomical continuity is rapidly restored in a Wnt/β-catenin signaling-dependent manner.

Practical Implications

Understanding Spinal Cord Regeneration

Provides insights into the mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration, particularly the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Potential Therapeutic Targets

Identifies Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a potential therapeutic target for promoting spinal cord regeneration after injury.

Advancing Zebrafish Models

Supports the use of zebrafish larvae as a model for studying spinal cord injury and regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
Study is limited to larval zebrafish.
2
Pharmacological inhibition may have off-target effects.
3
The study focuses primarily on anatomical continuity and does not fully address functional recovery.

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