Injury-induced Cavl-expressing cells at lesion rostral side play major roles in spinal cord regeneration

Open Biol, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsob.200304 · Published: January 21, 2021

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Genetics

Simple Explanation

After spinal cord injury (SCI), a specific cell population, termed SCI stress-responsive regenerating cells (SrRCs), is essential for neuronal regeneration post-SCI. SrRCs are mostly composed of subtypes of radial glia (RGs-SrRCs) and neuron stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs-SrRCs) that are able to differentiate into neurons, and they formed a bridge across the lesion and connected with neighbouring undamaged motor neurons post-SCI. Caveolin 1 (cav1) was significantly upregulated in rostral-SrRCs and that cav1 was responsible for the axonal regrowth and regenerative capability of rostral-SrRCs.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Transgenic zebrafish embryos and adult zebrafish

Evidence Level

Level III, Experimental Study

Key Findings

1
A specific SCI-induced cell population, SrRCs, involved in neuronal regeneration.
2
Rostral-SrRCs exhibit higher neuronal differentiation capability compared to caudal-SrRCs.
3
Caveolin 1 (cav1) is predominantly expressed in rostral-SrRCs, playing a major role in neuronal regeneration after SCI.

Research Summary

This study identifies a specific cell population, SrRCs, that responds to spinal cord injury (SCI) stress and actively participates in neuronal regeneration, primarily composed of radial glia (RGs) and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). The research highlights the preeminent role of rostral-SrRCs (located closer to the head) in regenerative activity, demonstrating their higher neuronal differentiation capability compared to caudal-SrRCs. The study identifies caveolin 1 (cav1) as predominantly expressed in rostral-SrRCs, playing a critical role in axonal regrowth and overall neuronal regeneration after SCI, further supporting the significance of rostral-SrRCs in the recovery process.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

Targeting SrRCs, especially rostral-SrRCs, could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury.

Drug Development

Drugs that enhance Cav1 expression in rostral-SrRCs might promote axonal regrowth and neuronal regeneration.

Cell Transplantation

Transplantation of rostral-SrRCs, or caudal-SrRCs engineered to overexpress Cav1, could improve functional recovery after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study is primarily conducted in zebrafish, and the findings may not be directly transferable to mammals.
2
The precise molecular mechanisms controlling the interaction between Cav1 and CTGF in the SCI repair process require further investigation.
3
The study focuses on mechanically induced SCI, and the results may differ for other types of spinal cord injuries.

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