Conditioned Medium of Wnt/b-Catenin Signaling-Activated Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Promotes Synaptogenesis and Neurite Growth In Vitro

Cell Mol Neurobiol, 2013 · DOI: 10.1007/s10571-013-9966-z · Published: July 28, 2013

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates whether olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) activated by Wnt signaling can promote the formation of synapses (synaptogenesis) and the growth of nerve fibers (neurite growth). OECs are glial cells in the olfactory system known for their ability to support axonal regeneration. The researchers cultured OECs and manipulated Wnt signaling by activating or inhibiting it. They then tested how the conditioned medium (CM) from these OECs affected neurons in culture. They compared the effects of CM from control OECs, Wnt-activated OECs (wOECs), and Wnt-inhibited OECs. The results showed that wOECs CM significantly enhanced both neurite growth and synaptogenesis compared to control OECs CM. This suggests that activating Wnt signaling in OECs can boost their ability to support neuronal growth and connectivity, potentially useful for treating spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

P7 C57 mice, E15.5 cortex neurons

Evidence Level

In vitro study

Key Findings

1
Wnt-activated OECs (wOECs CM) exhibited a stronger axonal growth-promoting effect than control OECs CM (cOECs CM).
2
wOECs CM stimulates synaptogenesis, demonstrated by increased expression of Synaptophysin and confirmed by whole-cell patch clamp recording showing mEPSCs.
3
Control OECs CM (cOECs CM) and Wnt-inhibited OECs CM (wiOECs CM) did not significantly affect synaptogenesis.

Research Summary

This study aimed to determine if Wnt signaling-activated olfactory ensheathing cells (wOECs) can promote synaptogenesis and neurite growth in vitro, comparing them to control OECs and Wnt-inhibited OECs. The results demonstrated that conditioned medium from wOECs (wOECs CM) significantly enhanced neurite growth and stimulated synaptogenesis, as evidenced by increased Synaptophysin expression and mEPSC recordings. The findings suggest that wOECs CM, likely through secreted factors, hold potential for treating spinal cord injury by promoting both axonal growth and synapse formation.

Practical Implications

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

Wnt-activated OECs could be used as a therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury due to their ability to promote axonal growth and synaptogenesis.

Understanding OEC Heterogeneity

Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which Wnt signaling in OECs promotes neurite growth and synaptogenesis.

Synaptic Plasticity

Wnt signaling in OECs could be a target for enhancing synaptic plasticity in various neurological disorders.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in vitro, and the results may not directly translate to in vivo conditions.
2
The specific factors secreted by wOECs that promote neurite growth and synaptogenesis were not identified.
3
The long-term effects of wOECs on neuronal function were not examined.

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