Spinal Cord Cells from Pre-metamorphic Stages Differentiate into Neurons and Promote Axon Growth and Regeneration after Transplantation into the Injured Spinal Cord of Non-regenerative Xenopus laevis Froglets

Front. Cell. Neurosci., 2017 · DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00398 · Published: December 13, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how spinal cord cells from young, regenerative frogs can help heal spinal cord injuries in older, non-regenerative frogs. The researchers transplanted cells from the spinal cords of young frogs into the injured spinal cords of older frogs. They found that these transplanted cells could survive, grow, and turn into new nerve cells. Additionally, the transplanted cells seemed to create an environment that encouraged the older frogs' own nerve cells to regrow their axons, which are like the wires that connect nerve cells.

Study Duration

60 days

Participants

Xenopus laevis froglets

Evidence Level

Original Research

Key Findings

1
Transplanted spinal cord cells from regenerative-stage larvae can survive up to 60 days in the injured spinal cord of non-regenerative froglets.
2
Donor cells self-organize into neural tube-like structures expressing Sox2/3, behaving as neural stem progenitor cells.
3
Transplanted cells differentiate into mature neurons expressing NeuN and Neurofilament-H, extending axons into the host spinal cord and promoting host axon regeneration.

Research Summary

The study demonstrates that spinal cord cells from regenerative-stage Xenopus laevis larvae can be successfully transplanted into the injured spinal cords of non-regenerative froglets. These transplanted cells survive, proliferate, and differentiate into mature neurons, forming neural tube-like structures and extending axons into the host spinal cord. Furthermore, the transplanted cells create a permissive environment that promotes the growth and regeneration of axons from the host's own neurons, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injuries.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapy for SCI

The study suggests that transplantation of neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) could be a potential therapy for spinal cord injuries.

Understanding Regeneration

Further research into the mechanisms by which these cells promote regeneration could lead to new treatments for SCI.

Drug Development

Identifying the molecular cues that promote axon regeneration could lead to the development of drugs that stimulate regeneration in humans.

Study Limitations

1
No significant functional recovery was detected in the tested conditions.
2
Possible cell death during the first days after transplantation due to immune rejection.
3
The specific population of neurons that are regenerating and the cells from the donor that promote axon growth and regeneration are not identified.

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