Combination of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neuron progenitor cells with irradiated brain-derived neurotrophic factor over-expressing engineered mesenchymal stem cells enhanced restoration of axonal regeneration in a chronic spinal cord injury rat model

This study explores a new treatment for chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) using stem cells. The approach involves transplanting two types of stem cells: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) over-expressing engineered mesenchymal stem cells (BDNF-eMSC) and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neuron progenitor cells (iMNP). The goal is to regenerate damaged neurons and improve motor function. The researchers transplanted these cells into rats with chronic SCI. They then observed the rats for improvements in motor function and examined the spinal cord tissue to see how the transplanted cells were behaving and affecting the injured area. The study found that transplanting both types of stem cells together led to better motor recovery than transplanting either cell type alone. The combination also promoted the growth of new nerve fibers and the maturation of motor neurons, which are essential for movement. BDNF, produced by the transplanted cells, played a key role in these improvements.

• 1
  Combination cell transplantation of BDNF-eMSC and iMNP significantly improved behavioral recovery in a chronic SCI rat model compared to single-cell transplantation.
• 2
  The combined transplantation enhanced mature motor neuron differentiation and axonal regeneration at the injured spinal cord site.
• 3
  BDNF-eMSC and iMNP co-cultures promoted motor neuron maturation and neurite outgrowth in vitro, with BDNF playing a critical role.