Brain and spinal cord injury repair by implantation of human neural progenitor cells seeded onto polymer scaffolds

Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0054-9 · Published: April 20, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new way to repair brain and spinal cord injuries by using human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) attached to a special polymer scaffold. The hNPC-scaffold complex was implanted into damaged areas in mice with brain injuries and rats with spinal cord injuries to see if it could help. The results showed that this approach helped reduce tissue loss, promote cell survival and growth, improve blood vessel formation, and enhance the connection of nerve circuits.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

ICR mice and Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
hNPC–scaffold complex transplantation effectively reduces infarct volume in HI brain injury and shows significant neuroprotection against SCI.
2
Implantation of the hNPC–PGA complex inhibits glial scar formation, alters the gliotic response, and increases neovascularization.
3
hNPC–scaffold grafts appear to reform the connections between neurons and their targets in both cerebral hemispheres in HI brain injury and protect some injured corticospinal ﬁbers in SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated the reparative ability and therapeutic potentials of biological bridges composed of human fetal brain-derived NPCs seeded upon poly(glycolic acid)-based scaffold implanted into the infarction cavity of a neonatal HI brain injury or the hemisection cavity in an adult SCI. Tract tracing demonstrated that hNPC–scaffold grafts appear to reform the connections between neurons and their targets in both cerebral hemispheres in HI brain injury and protect some injured corticospinal ﬁbers in SCI. Finally, the hNPC–scaffold complex grafts signiﬁcantly improved motosensory function and attenuated neuropathic pain over that of the controls.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

The hNPC–scaffold complex provides a versatile treatment for brain injury and SCI.

Clinical Translation

This optimized multidisciplinary approach can be translated to clinical applications.

Biomaterial Development

The development of novel biomaterials can enable greater control over biomaterial–stem cell interactions and targeted delivery of therapeutic proteins or drugs.

Study Limitations

1
Implanted hNPCs appear not to survive well for a long time in highly inﬂammatory, inhospitable HI-injured brain following xenotransplantation despite the use of immunosuppressant.
2
The vast volume of tissue loss and inhibitory milieu of the CNS would seem to preclude differentiation of the grafted cells and even partial cell replacement.
3
The mechanisms by which hNPC–PGA complex facilitate functional recovery including regeneration of propriospinal, raphespinal or reticulospinal projections, and neuromuscular junctions clearly require further investigation.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury