Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor-overexpressing Human Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Enhance Therapeutic Efficiency in Rat with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to motor, sensory, or autonomic dysfunction and complications. This study explores using human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNSPCs) modified to produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to improve recovery after SCI in rats. The researchers transplanted GDNF-producing hNSPCs into rats with SCI and found that these cells survived, distributed well, and differentiated into neurons and oligodendrocytes. The treatment reduced lesion size, promoted nerve fiber growth, and improved locomotor recovery. The study suggests that using GDNF-modified hNSPCs could be a more effective cell therapy for SCI. This approach may help protect nerve cells, reduce scar tissue, and improve the ability to move after a spinal cord injury.

• 1
  GDNF-hNSPCs showed robust engraftment, long-term survival, an extensive distribution, and increased differentiation into neurons and oligodendroglial cells compared to controls.
• 2
  Transplantation of GDNF-hNSPCs significantly reduced lesion volume and glial scar formation, promoted neurite outgrowth, axonal regeneration and myelination, increased Schwann cell migration, and improved locomotor recovery.
• 3
  Grafted GDNF-hNSPCs substantially reversed the increased expression of voltage-gated sodium channels and neuropeptide Y, and elevated expression of GABA in the injured spinal cord, which are involved in the attenuation of neuropathic pain after SCI.