Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Promotes Axon Regeneration and Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury

Molecular Neurobiology, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-019-1614-2 · Published: May 2, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the potential of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) to promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. The researchers found that PEDF is upregulated in regenerating models of dorsal column injury, suggesting a role in nerve regeneration. They also demonstrated that PEDF promotes the survival and neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGN) in vitro and enhances axon regeneration and functional recovery in vivo.

Study Duration

6 weeks

Participants

Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
PEDF expression is upregulated in DRGN in vivo in regenerating models (SN, pSN + DC) of spinal cord injury.
2
PEDF promotes significant DRGN survival and disinhibited DRGN neurite outgrowth in a serum-withdrawal model and in the presence of inhibitory CME.
3
Intra-DRG delivery of AAV-PEDF promoted significant DC axon regeneration and electrophysiological, sensory, and locomotor function.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that PEDF is an important mediator of DC axon regeneration in the adult mammalian system. PEDF is neuroprotective and promotes significant DRGN neurite outgrowth, exhibiting both direct and indirect effects on DRGN. PEDF shows promise to be a potentially novel therapy for neuroprotection and axogenesis after SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

PEDF could be a novel therapeutic target for promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

Non-Viral Delivery

The use of non-viral vectors like in vivo-jetPEI for PEDF delivery offers a safe and effective alternative to viral vectors.

Combination Therapy

Combining PEDF with other neurotrophic factors may further enhance neurite outgrowth and functional recovery.

Study Limitations

1
The study primarily used animal models, and further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.
2
The exact mechanisms underlying PEDF's neuroprotective and axogenic effects require further investigation.
3
Cholera toxin B labelling did not work in the rat.

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