Improving Efficiency of Direct Pro-Neural Reprogramming: Much-Needed Aid for Neuroregeneration in Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions worldwide, and current treatments often fail to fully restore lost function. New approaches using stem cells to create neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are promising. These NPCs can be transplanted to the injury site to help regenerate the spinal cord. Direct reprogramming, which converts non-neuronal cells into NPCs without going through a pluripotent state, is a particularly attractive strategy. This method allows for the production of large numbers of NPCs in the lab for transplantation. However, a major challenge is the low efficiency of direct reprogramming, which hinders its use in clinics. This review explores new targets, tools, and approaches, like mechanotransduction and electrical stimulation, to improve reprogramming efficiency for spinal cord injury treatment.

• 1
  The review highlights novel targets for improving direct pro-neural reprogramming, including mitochondria, nucleoli, and G-quadruplexes.
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  It discusses various tools and approaches to enhance reprogramming efficiency, such as mechanotransduction and electrical stimulation.
• 3
  The review emphasizes the potential of directly reprogrammed neural progenitor cells (drNPCs) as a therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury due to their lower tumorigenic risk compared to iPSCs and faster pro-neuronal differentiation.