Neural Stem Cells: Promoting Axonal Regeneration and Spinal Cord Connectivity

Spinal cord injuries disrupt nerve connections, leading to loss of function. Neural stem cell (NSC) therapy is a promising strategy. NSCs can be transplanted into the injury site to help regenerate damaged axons (nerve fibers). These regenerating axons can form new connections, potentially restoring lost functions. This review discusses how NSC therapy can promote axonal regeneration and spinal cord connectivity after SCI, including its impact on motor and sensory systems.

• 1
  Host axons regenerate into spinal NSC grafts placed into sites of SCI, forming synapses with the graft.
• 2
  NSC grafts extend new axons from the injury site over long distances into the distal spinal cord, potentially reconnecting severed neural pathways.
• 3
  NPC grafts are also integrated into other motor and sensory circuits that may provide a substrate for functional relay formation