NT3-chitosan enables de novo regeneration and functional recovery in monkeys after spinal cord injury

PNAS, 2018 · DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1804735115 · Published: May 29, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates a new approach to treating spinal cord injuries using a combination of a neurotrophic factor called NT3 and a biomaterial called chitosan. NT3-chitosan was inserted into a 1-cm gap in the spinal cord of monkeys with severe spinal cord injury. The material facilitated the regeneration of nerve tissue and improved motor and sensory functions. The method used in this study has the potential to be translated to human SCI repair because monkeys and humans share similar genetics and physiology.

Study Duration

Over 1 year

Participants

38 female rhesus monkeys

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
NT3-chitosan elicited robust axonal regeneration, including long-distance axonal growth of cortical motor neurons in the cortical spinal tract.
2
The treatment resulted in sensory and motor functional recovery in monkeys with severe SCI.
3
NT3-chitosan reduced inflammation and glial scar formation at the injury site.

Research Summary

The study provides evidence that in monkeys with severe SCI, a bioactive and biodegradable material, NT3-chitosan, elicited robust de novo neural regeneration. Functional improvements were demonstrated through various minimally invasive outcome measures including fMRI, magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging, and kinematics walking analyses. Success in this approach in nonhuman primate SCI models provides a solid foundation for its potential therapeutic application.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

The NT3-chitosan approach shows promise for treating spinal cord injuries in humans, given the similarities between monkeys and humans.

Clinical Translation

The minimally invasive outcome measures used in the study are compatible with clinical trials, facilitating translation to human studies.

Versatile Application

The injectable NT3-chitosan material may be applicable in various SCI conditions, including contusion or crush injuries.

Study Limitations

1
The hemisection model is different from most SCI cases in humans.
2
The study mainly focused on acute injury repair.
3
Detailed circuitry mapping will be required in the near future to reveal the logic of neuronal wiring during regeneration.

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