Pericyte-derived cells participate in optic nerve scar formation

This study investigates the role of pericyte-derived cells in scar formation after optic nerve injury in mice. Pericytes are cells that surround blood vessels and can transform into other cell types. The researchers used a special mouse model where pericyte-derived cells are labeled with a fluorescent marker. This allowed them to track these cells after optic nerve crush injury. The study found that pericyte-derived cells contribute to scar formation in the optic nerve after injury. These cells may be a target for therapies aimed at reducing scarring and improving nerve regeneration.

• 1
  PC-derived tdTomato+ cells increased in the lesion area over time, accounting for 60%–90% of all PDGFRβ+ cells in the lesion.
• 2
  The majority of PC-derived cells in the lesion lacked vascular association, suggesting a distinct function in the fibrotic scar.
• 3
  PDGFRβ+tdTomato- cells were present in the ON scar, indicating the existence of fibrotic cell subpopulations of different origins.