The Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor has a dual role in neuronal and vascular plasticity

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 2015 · DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2015.00048 · Published: August 7, 2015

Simple Explanation

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor initially known for generating neutrophilic granulocytes. More recently, it has been discovered that G-CSF also plays a role in the brain as a growth factor for neurons and neural stem cells, and as a factor involved in the plasticity of the vasculature. This review discusses G-CSF's dual properties and neuroregenerative potential, focusing on its effects on spinal cord injury (SCI) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
G-CSF stimulates neurogenesis, arteriogenesis in the CNS, and markedly improves long-term behavioral outcome after cortical ischemia or spinal cord injury.
2
G-CSF has both arteriogenic and angiogenic eﬀects, thereby both enabling increased blood ﬂow via generation of conductance vessels, and improving local oxygen diﬀusion and providing a neurovascular environment for repair mechanisms in the CNS.
3
G-CSF treatment appears feasible and safe in clinical trials for SCI and ALS, but proper controlled and randomized trials are lacking to draw sound conclusions.

Research Summary

This review explores the neuroregenerative potential of G-CSF, highlighting its vasculogenic and neurogenic mechanisms in SCI and ALS. G-CSF promotes angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, creating a regeneration-friendly environment in the injured spinal cord, and may contribute to central 'rewiring' of motor pathways. Clinical trials show G-CSF treatment is feasible and safe, but larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in SCI and ALS.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

G-CSF, with its known safety profile and multiple mechanisms of action, offers a novel approach for neuroprotection and regeneration in SCI and ALS.

Combined Therapies

Local transplantation approaches combined with G-CSF may enhance neurogenesis as a repair mechanism in spinal cord injuries.

Clinical Trial Design

Future clinical trials should address treatment timing, G-CSF dosing, and administration methods to optimize outcomes in SCI and ALS patients.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of proper controlled and randomized trials to draw sound conclusions on G-CSF efficacy.
2
Many questions remain regarding the optimal timing of treatment post-injury (acute vs. delayed).
3
Need for larger randomized controlled studies to get deﬁnite answers on G-CSF efficacy in SCI and ALS.

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