Mouse mast cell protease 4 suppresses scar formation after traumatic spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury leads to scar formation, hindering nerve regeneration. This study explores the role of mouse mast cell protease 4 (mMCP4) in scar development after SCI. The research found that mice lacking mMCP4 (mMCP4−/−) exhibited increased scar formation and reduced motor function recovery post-SCI, indicating mMCP4's involvement in scar modulation. The study suggests that mMCP4 influences the expression of key scar factors and directly cleaves collagen IV, contributing to improved recovery after SCI.

• 1
  mMCP4−/− mice showed decreased locomotor performance and increased scar formation at the lesion site after SCI.
• 2
  Expression of axon-growth inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) was dramatically increased in the perilesional area of mMCP4−/− mice.
• 3
  mMCP4 directly cleaves collagen IV in vitro, suggesting a mechanism for scar modulation.