Transient activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling reporter in fibrotic scar formation after compression spinal cord injury in adult mice

After a spinal cord injury, scar tissue forms, which can hinder the regeneration of nerve fibers. This study looked at the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, a communication pathway between cells, in the formation of this scar tissue. The researchers used a spinal cord injury model in mice and found that Wnt/β-catenin signaling was temporarily activated in fibroblast-like cells, which are cells that contribute to the formation of the scar. This suggests that Wnt signaling may play a role in the development of fibrotic scars after spinal cord injury. Understanding this process could lead to new therapies to control scar formation and promote nerve regeneration.

• 1
  Wnt/β-catenin signaling reporter TOPgal positive cells appeared at the lesion site by 5 days, peaked on 7 days, and diminished by 14 days post injury.
• 2
  These transiently TOPgal positive cells are a group of Fibronectin(+);GFAP(−) fibroblast-like cells in the core scar region.
• 3
  Some of these TOPgal positive cells are proliferative, suggesting a role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the expansion of fibroblasts and the formation of the fibrotic scar.