Adenovirus vector-mediated ex vivo gene transfer of brain-derived neurotrophic factor to bone marrow stromal cells promotes axonal regeneration after transplantation in completely transected adult rat spinal cord

This study explores a new way to help damaged spinal cords heal by using special cells from bone marrow called bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). These cells are modified in the lab to carry a gene that produces a helpful protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The modified BMSCs are then transplanted into rats with completely severed spinal cords. The researchers found that this treatment helped the nerve fibers in the spinal cord to regrow, but it didn't significantly improve the rats' ability to move their hind limbs. This research suggests that using BMSCs with BDNF could be a promising approach for treating spinal cord injuries, but more work is needed to figure out the best way to use this therapy to improve movement and function.

• 1
  Adenovirus vector-mediated ex vivo gene transfer of BDNF to BMSC enhances axonal regeneration in completely transected spinal cord.
• 2
  BMSC transplantation alone promotes significant axonal regeneration and hind limb functional recovery compared to controls.
• 3
  BDNF gene transfer to BMSC did not significantly enhance hind limb functional recovery beyond that achieved by BMSC transplantation alone.