Gene Expression Changes in the Injured Spinal Cord Following Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells or Olfactory Ensheathing Cells

PLoS ONE, 2013 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076141 · Published: October 11, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how transplanting mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC) affects gene activity in spinal cord injuries. The researchers analyzed mRNA in the injured spinal cord after transplanting MSCs or OECs immediately or seven days post-injury. The main finding suggests that while both MSC and OEC transplants can help with tissue repair, they also trigger an immune response, potentially leading to rejection of the transplanted cells.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adult Sprague-Dawley female rats (9 weeks old; 250–300 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
MSC and OEC transplanted acutely after injury up-regulate genes related to tissue protection and regeneration.
2
Cells transplanted at 7 days after injury down-regulate genes related to tissue regeneration.
3
MSC or OEC transplant increased expression of genes associated with foreign body response and adaptive immune response.

Research Summary

This study analyzed gene expression changes in the spinal cord after injury and transplantation of MSCs or OECs. Acute transplantation of MSCs and OECs induced early expression of genes related to cell adhesion, hemopoiesis, response to hypoxia, organ development, and ECM organization, suggesting shared mechanisms of tissue repair. A notable finding was the up-regulation of genes involved in the immune response, indicative of a potential rejection response against the grafted cells.

Practical Implications

Optimizing Cell Therapy

The study highlights the need to optimize cell therapies for SCI by understanding the balance between tissue repair and immune rejection.

Timing of Transplantation

The timing of cell transplantation (acute vs. delayed) significantly impacts gene expression and tissue repair processes.

Immunosuppression Strategies

The findings suggest the potential need for immunosuppressant agents to improve graft survival and efficacy of cell therapies.

Gene Expression Changes in the Injured Spinal Cord Following Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells or Olfactory Ensheathing Cells

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Optimizing Cell Therapy

Timing of Transplantation

Immunosuppression Strategies

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Gene Expression Changes in the Injured Spinal Cord Following Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells or Olfactory Ensheathing Cells

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Optimizing Cell Therapy

Timing of Transplantation

Immunosuppression Strategies

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?