FGF1 improves functional recovery through inducing PRDX1 to regulate autophagy and anti-ROS after spinal cord injury

This study investigates the effects of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) on spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery. FGF1 has shown promise in protecting and regenerating neurons after SCI, but its use is limited by its instability and inability to cross the blood-spinal cord barrier. The researchers used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver FGF1 to the spinal cord after injury. They found that this method reduced tissue loss, protected neurons, improved tissue recovery, and promoted axon regeneration and remyelination. The study suggests that FGF1 improves functional recovery after SCI by inducing the expression of PRDX1, an antioxidant protein. This, in turn, increases autophagy (a cellular cleaning process) and reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to secondary injury after SCI.

• 1
  Overexpression of FGF1 via AAV delivery reduces tissue loss and protects neurons after spinal cord injury.
• 2
  FGF1 promotes axon regeneration and remyelination in vivo and in vitro.
• 3
  FGF1 induces PRDX1 expression, which increases autophagy and reduces ROS levels after SCI.