CD157 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells mediates mitochondrial production and transfer to improve neuronal apoptosis and functional recovery after spinal cord injury

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02305-w · Published: May 27, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) can help in spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery, focusing on the role of CD157 in transferring mitochondria to injured neurons. The researchers found that CD157, a molecule on BMSCs, is upregulated when interacting with injured neurons, enhancing the transfer of mitochondria. This transfer helps regenerate damaged axons and reduces cell death. By modifying BMSCs to increase CD157, the team observed improved functional recovery in SCI rats, along with better axon regeneration and reduced neuron apoptosis at the injury site.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Sprague-Dawley male rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
CD157 expression on BMSCs is upregulated when co-cultured with injured VSC4.1 motor neurons.
2
Upregulation of CD157 on BMSCs enhances the transfer of extracellular mitochondria particles to VSC4.1 motor neurons, promoting axon regeneration and reducing cell apoptosis.
3
Transplantation of CD157-modified BMSCs at the injured sites significantly improves functional recovery, axon regeneration, and reduces neuron apoptosis in SCI rats.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of CD157 in BMSC-mediated mitochondrial transfer to improve neuronal apoptosis and functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). The results suggest that CD157 can regulate the production and transfer of BMSC-derived extracellular mitochondrial particles, enriching the understanding of extracellular mitochondrial transfer mechanisms in BMSC transplantation. The study provides a novel strategy to improve stem cell treatment for SCI by targeting the CD157/cyclic ADP-ribose signaling pathway.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

CD157 could be a target for enhancing BMSC-based therapies for SCI.

Mitochondrial Transfer

Enhancing mitochondrial transfer from BMSCs to injured neurons can improve recovery.

Signaling Pathways

Targeting the CD157/cADPR/calcium signaling pathway may promote motor function recovery and axon regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
How the SCI environment stimulates the upregulation of CD157 in BMSCs is unknown.
2
The specific signaling pathways involved in the upregulation of CD157 in BMSCs are not fully elucidated.
3
The long-term effects of CD157-modified BMSC transplantation on SCI recovery require further investigation.

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