A new peptide, VD11, promotes structural and functional recovery after spinal cord injury

This study identifies a new peptide, VD11, derived from the spinal cord of a Chinese amphibian, Odorrana schmackeri. The research investigates VD11's potential to promote recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). In vitro experiments demonstrated that VD11 enhances the secretion of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in BV2 cells, while also promoting proliferation and synaptic elongation in PC12 cells under hypoxic conditions. In vivo experiments showed that VD11 significantly improved motor function recovery in rats with SCI, reduced pathological damage, and facilitated axonal regeneration, suggesting its therapeutic potential for SCI treatment.

• 1
  VD11 promotes the secretion of NGF and BDNF in BV2 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, as well as the proliferation and synaptic elongation of PC12 cells subjected to hypoxia.
• 2
  Intravertebral injection of VD11 markedly promoted recovery of motor function in rats with spinal cord injury, alleviated pathological damage, and promoted axonal regeneration.
• 3
  VD11 may affect spinal cord injury through activation of the AMPK and AKT signaling pathways.