An injectable heparin-Laponite hydrogel bridge FGF4 for spinal cord injury by stabilizing microtubule and improving mitochondrial function

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition that can cause loss of movement and feeling. The researchers developed a new way to deliver a protective protein called FGF4 directly to the injured spinal cord using a special gel made from heparin and Laponite. This gel helps to release the protein slowly and steadily over time. The gel, called Lap/Hep@FGF4, was tested in rats with SCI. The results showed that the rats treated with the gel had better motor function recovery and improved nerve regeneration. The gel also helped to reduce inflammation and scarring in the injured area. The researchers found that the Lap/Hep@FGF4 gel works by stabilizing microtubules, which are important structures in nerve cells, and by improving the function of mitochondria, which provide energy to the cells. This helps the nerve cells to regrow and repair themselves after injury.

• 1
  The Lap/Hep@FGF4 group showed remarkable motor functional recovery and axonal regrowth after SCI through suppressing inflammatory reaction, increasing remyelination and reducing glial/fibrotic scars.
• 2
  Axonal rehabilitation was demonstrated via enhancing microtubule stability and regulating mitochondrial localization after Lap/Hep@FGF4 treatment.
• 3
  A sustained release behavior of FGF4 was observed in the 7.6+19 mg/mL (H/L, 2:5) hydrogel, which could achieve spatial as well as temporal control in the delivery of FGF4.