Spinal cord repair is modulated by the neurogenic factor Hb-egf under direction of a regeneration-associated enhancer

Nature Communications, 2023 · DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40486-5 · Published: August 11, 2023

Simple Explanation

Unlike mammals, zebraﬁsh can regenerate spinal cord tissue after injury. This study identifies that ependymal cells in zebraﬁsh spinal cords produce the neurogenic factor Hb-egfa after injury. Mutations in the hb-egfa gene disrupt swim capacity, axon crossing, and tissue bridging after spinal cord injury in zebrafish. Delivering human HB-EGF enhances functional regeneration. A tissue regeneration enhancer element (TREE) linked to hb-egfa directs gene expression in spinal cord injuries. Enhancer-based HB-EGF delivery improves axon densities after crush injury in neonatal murine cords.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Zebrafish, mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Hb-egfa is a neurogenic factor necessary for innate spinal cord regeneration in zebraﬁsh.
2
A zebraﬁsh TREE (hb-egfaEN) can target gene expression to crush injuries of neonatal, but not adult, murine spinal cords.
3
Enhancer-based HB-EGF delivery by AAV administration improves axon densities after crush injury in neonatal murine cords.

Research Summary

This study identifies Hb-egf as a neurogenic factor essential for spinal cord regeneration in zebraﬁsh, highlighting its role in ERG cycling and neuron production. The research uncovers a TREE (hb-egfaEN) that directs gene expression in spinal cord injuries, showing spatiotemporal control of HB-EGF expression. The study demonstrates that enhancer-based HB-EGF delivery improves axon density in neonatal mice, suggesting potential strategies for spinal cord repair in mammals.

Practical Implications

Potential therapeutic target

Hb-egf signaling pathway could be a target for therapies aimed at promoting spinal cord regeneration.

Gene therapy strategy

Enhancer-based gene therapy could be used to deliver HB-EGF to spinal cord injury sites.

Developmental stage considerations

Understanding the differences in regenerative capacity between neonatal and adult mammals could lead to new therapies.

Spinal cord repair is modulated by the neurogenic factor Hb-egf under direction of a regeneration-associated enhancer

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Potential therapeutic target

Gene therapy strategy

Developmental stage considerations

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Spinal cord repair is modulated by the neurogenic factor Hb-egf under direction of a regeneration-associated enhancer

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Potential therapeutic target

Gene therapy strategy

Developmental stage considerations

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?