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  4. 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

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

Eur Spine J, 2007 · DOI: 10.1007/s00586-007-0499-3 · Published: September 21, 2007

Spinal Cord InjuryNeurologyGenetics

Simple Explanation

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.

Study Duration
6 weeks
Participants
Adult male Wistar rats
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 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.

Research Summary

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adenovirus vector-mediated BDNF ex vivo gene transfer to BMSC in adult rats with completely transected spinal cords. The results showed that BMSC transplantation promoted axonal regeneration and hind limb functional recovery, and BDNF gene transfer enhanced axonal regeneration or sprouting. However, BDNF gene transfer to BMSC failed to enhance hind limb functional recovery significantly, suggesting the need for further investigation to optimize combined cell and neurotrophin gene transfer therapies for spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Cell-based Therapies

BMSCs can be used as a vehicle for delivering therapeutic genes to the site of spinal cord injury.

Combination Therapies

Combining cell transplantation with gene therapy may improve outcomes for spinal cord injury.

Further Research

Further research is needed to optimize the delivery and expression of neurotrophic factors in cell-based therapies for spinal cord injury.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    The observation period may have been too short to detect significant functional recovery.
  • 2
    Greater numbers of regenerating axons may be necessary to enhance hind limb functional recovery.
  • 3
    Regenerating axons may not have been able to grow into the caudal spinal cord.

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