Human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly-derived oligodendrocyte precursor-like cells for axon and myelin sheath regeneration

Neural Regeneration Research, 2013 · DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.10.003 · Published: April 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte precursor cells (HUMSC-OPCs) in treating spinal cord injury in rats. The researchers transplanted these cells into contused rat spinal cords to observe their effects on axon and myelin sheath regeneration. The results indicated that the transplanted cells survived within the injured spinal cord, differentiating into both mature and immature oligodendrocyte precursor cells. This differentiation is crucial for the regeneration of myelin, which is often damaged in spinal cord injuries. The study also found that the transplantation of HUMSC-OPCs promoted a higher density of corticospinal tract, increased the volume of residual myelin, and led to evident behavioral recovery in the treated rats, suggesting the cells' potential to aid in spinal cord repair.

Study Duration

Between March 2010 and December 2011

Participants

Forty-seven adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells can be induced to differentiate into oligodendrocyte precursor-like cells in vitro using neurobasal medium and nerve growth factors.
2
Transplanted oligodendrocyte precursor cells survived in the injured spinal cord of rats and differentiated into both mature and immature oligodendrocytes.
3
Oligodendrocyte precursor cell transplantation promoted the regeneration of spinal axons and myelin sheaths, leading to improved neurological function in rats with spinal cord injury.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte precursor cells (HUMSC-OPCs) to promote axon and myelin sheath regeneration in a rat model of spinal cord injury. The researchers found that transplanted HUMSC-OPCs survived, differentiated into oligodendrocytes, and promoted corticospinal tract regeneration and myelin preservation, leading to improved locomotor function in the treated rats. The study suggests that HUMSC-OPCs hold promise as a cell-based therapy for spinal cord injury due to their ability to support axonal remyelination and improve neurological outcomes.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for Spinal Cord Injury

Human umbilical mesenchymal stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte precursor cells (HUMSC-OPCs) could be a viable cell-based therapy for treating spinal cord injuries, potentially promoting axon regeneration and remyelination.

Advantageous Cell Source

Human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells, easily obtainable from Wharton's jelly, offer an ethically less controversial alternative to embryonic tissue-derived cells for generating oligodendrocyte precursor cells.

Future Research Directions

Further studies are needed to optimize the conditions for HUMSC-OPC survival and differentiation after transplantation to enhance functional recovery in spinal cord injury patients.

Study Limitations

1
Observed only a small quantity and a short length of regenerated axons
2
More precise characterization of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cell- oligodendrocyte precursor cells is needed
3
Optimal conditions for the survival and differentiation of human umbilical mesenchymal stem cell-oligodendrocyte precursor cells need to be established

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