CRISPR-edited human ES-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells improve remyelination in rodents

In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), damage to the myelin sheath around nerve fibers leads to neurodegeneration and disability. Remyelination, the repair of this sheath, is often inefficient. The study explores if transplanting genetically modified oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) can improve remyelination. Researchers edited human embryonic stem cell-derived OPCs to be unresponsive to a repellent found in chronic MS lesions. These edited cells were then transplanted into rodent models of chronic lesions to observe their effect on remyelination. The study found that the edited human OPCs displayed enhanced migration and remyelination in the rodent models, regardless of the host's age or time since transplant. This suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for progressive MS by overcoming the inhibitory environment.

• 1
  Edited hOPCs showed enhanced migration into SEMA3A-loaded demyelinated lesions compared to control hOPCs.
• 2
  Transplantation of NRP1−/− hOPCs resulted in more extensive remyelination in a mouse model of demyelination.
• 3
  Transplanted hOPCs maintained their migratory capacity in both young and aged animals.