Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-023-04811-x · Published: June 17, 2023
Ependymal cells, which line the central canal of the spinal cord, are important for creating a physical barrier and helping cerebrospinal fluid circulate. These cells express specific transcription factors like FOXJ1 and SOX2. This study investigated whether these cells persist throughout life in humans. The researchers examined spinal cords from 17 organ donors aged 37–83 years. They used immunohistochemistry to look for cells expressing FOXJ1, SOX2, and PAX6, as well as proteins involved in cilia function (RFX2 and ARL13B). The study found that cells expressing FOXJ1, SOX2, and PAX6 were present in the central region of the spinal cord in all cases, even in older individuals. Some donors also showed a fetal-like organization of neurodevelopmental transcription factors in the ependymal cells.
The study provides new evidence for the persistence of ependymal cells throughout human life, challenging previous notions of their disappearance with age. This understanding is crucial for exploring their potential roles in spinal cord health and disease.
The maintenance of ependymal cells with immature traits suggests a potential for regeneration in spinal cord injuries or degenerative diseases. Further research is needed to clarify their regenerative capabilities and how they can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.
The variability in findings across studies highlights the need for standardized protocols for collecting and analyzing human spinal cord samples. This will improve the reliability and comparability of future research on ependymal cells and spinal cord health.