Peripheral Nerve-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids Induce Functional Recovery and Repair after Spinal Cord Injury in Rodents

This study investigates the potential of peripheral nerve-derived stem cells (PNSCs) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). PNSCs, isolated from adult peripheral nerves, possess characteristics similar to neural crest stem cells, showing the ability to differentiate into various cell types like Schwann cells and neurons. The research highlights that PNSCs can be enhanced by developing them into spheroids, which secrete more neurotrophic factors and express extracellular matrix. These spheroids have shown promising results in animal SCI models, inducing functional recovery and neuronal regeneration. The findings suggest that these PNSC spheroids could be a new therapeutic approach for SCI patients. They not only promote functional recovery but also reduce neuropathic pain associated with SCI after remyelination.

• 1
  PNSC spheroids significantly improved functional recovery in a rodent SCI model, as indicated by increased BBB scores compared to single-cell PNSCs and the SCI/PBS group.
• 2
  The study found that PNSC spheroids reduced mechanical allodynia and inflammation following SCI, evidenced by improved scores on the dynamic plantar test and reduced IL-1β expression.
• 3
  Transplanted PNSCs, particularly in spheroid form, induced increased expression of neurotrophic factors such as NT-3, which contributed to neuroprotection and neuronal regeneration.