Combination therapy with ultrasound and 2D nanomaterials promotes recovery after spinal cord injury via Piezo1 downregulation

Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-023-01853-y · Published: March 8, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new approach to treat spinal cord injuries (SCI) by combining ultrasound (US) and nanoparticles (NPs). The combined treatment promoted neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation into neurons and exerted anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. The research used layered double hydroxide-coupled NT3 (MgFe-LDH/NT3) nanoparticles and ultrasound on a murine thoracic SCI model. This combined therapy promoted behavioural and electrophysiological performance at eight weeks. RNA sequencing showed that ultrasound-induced Piezo1 downregulation is the key mechanism. Combined therapy promotes neurogenesis and reduces inflammation through Piezo1/NF-κB pathways, suggesting a promising strategy for SCI repair.

Study Duration

8 weeks

Participants

Female C57BL/6 mice (~ 20 g, eight weeks old)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Combined treatment of MgFe-LDH/NT3 nanoparticles and ultrasound promoted neural stem cell differentiation into neurons in vitro.
2
The combined therapy significantly improved behavioral and electrophysiological performance in a murine model of spinal cord injury after eight weeks.
3
RNA sequencing revealed that ultrasound-induced Piezo1 downregulation is a core mechanism by which combined therapy promotes neurogenesis and inhibits inflammation.

Research Summary

The study investigates the combined effects of MgFe-LDH/NT3 nanoparticles and ultrasound (US) for treating spinal cord injury (SCI). In vitro, the combined treatment promoted neural stem cell differentiation and reduced inflammation. In vivo, it improved behavioral and electrophysiological performance in mice with SCI. RNA sequencing identified Piezo1 downregulation as a key mechanism by which the combined therapy enhances neurogenesis and suppresses inflammation via the Piezo1/NF-κB pathway.

Practical Implications

Novel Therapeutic Strategy

The combination of ultrasound and functional nanoparticles represents a novel approach for spinal cord injury repair.

Piezo1 as a Target

Identifying Piezo1 as a key regulator opens new avenues for targeted therapies in SCI.

Clinical Translation Potential

The use of biocompatible materials and non-invasive ultrasound suggests potential for future clinical applications.

Study Limitations

1
Limited research regarding the application of US for SCI treatment exists due to its limited effects on nerve regeneration.
2
The complex microenvironment at the lesion site following SCI is not ideal for the recovery of neurological function, although a single approach has achieved some effects.
3
Multiple factors including post-transcriptional processing modifications of mRNA would affect the protein expression.

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