Restoring Function After Severe Spinal Cord Injury Through BioLuminescent-OptoGenetics

Frontiers in Neurology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.792643 · Published: January 20, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new method, bioluminescent-optogenetics (BL-OG), to help patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). The technique uses genetically expressed light-emitting proteins to stimulate neurons in the spinal cord. Rats with spinal cord injuries were treated with BL-OG, and results showed improvement in locomotor functions and neuronal activity below the injury site. This implies a potential therapeutic use for SCI patients. The study found that BL-OG stimulation increased neuronal plasticity, which is the ability of neurons to form new connections and adapt after injury. This suggests that the improved locomotor recovery is due to the enhanced neuronal plasticity.

Study Duration

28 days

Participants

Sprague Dawley rats, 4–6 months of age

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Bioluminescent optogenetic stimulation of spinal neurons results in accelerated and enhanced locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in rats.
2
Stimulating neurons with BL-OG approach improves the rate and extent of locomotor recovery following injury.
3
BL-OG induced recovery following SCI is largely mediated by optogenetically induced neuronal plasticity and potentially maintenance of neural networks.

Research Summary

Bioluminescent optogenetic activation of spinal neurons results in accelerated and enhanced locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. Optogenetic stimulation following spinal cord injury has been tested in a mouse model of cervical SCI previously and was found capable of improving breathing following treatment Using BL-OG, we found that stimulating either primarily interneurons or primarily motor neurons resulted in signiﬁcant functional improvements at faster rates and to a greater extent in stimulated animals compared to control animals.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential for SCI

BL-OG could be a potential therapeutic approach for promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injuries.

Targeted Stimulation

Targeting specific neuronal populations with BL-OG stimulation could further improve outcomes following SCI.

Improved Bladder Control

The study suggests BL-OG might improve bladder control in SCI patients, greatly improving their quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
The study's contusion injury model is severe, but the limit of eﬀectiveness with the stimulation treatment is unknown.
2
Potential detrimental eﬀects such as muscle spasticity could arise with over stimulation in cases of less severe contusions.
3
The long-term effects of BL-OG stimulation and its potential synergistic effects with physical exercises are yet to be determined.

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