Scientific Reports, 2020 · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57793-2 · Published: January 21, 2020
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are important for the regeneration of the olfactory nervous system and have potential for treating nervous system injuries like spinal cord injury. However, getting enough OECs for transplantation is difficult. The study found that a plant natural product, 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, can stimulate OEC viability. The researchers screened a library of natural products and identified 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone as a compound that enhances OEC viability. They further showed that this compound stimulates OEC proliferation, enhances their phagocytic activity, and affects the cell cycle. The study also identified the transcription factor Nrf2 as a potential target of the compound. The findings suggest that 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone could improve the therapeutic effectiveness of OECs by boosting their proliferation before transplantation.
RAD618 can be used to stimulate OEC proliferation prior to transplantation, potentially increasing the number of cells available and shortening the time required for cell preparation.
The compound's ability to stimulate OEC phagocytosis suggests it can enhance the clearance of cell debris at injury sites, promoting a more favorable environment for nerve regeneration.
Identifying Nrf2 as a potential molecular target of RAD618 opens avenues for developing other compounds that stimulate OEC function through this pathway.