The Role and Modulation of Spinal Perineuronal Nets in the Healthy and Injured Spinal Cord

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.893857 · Published: May 20, 2022

Simple Explanation

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are a specialized form of extracellular matrix involved in regulating plasticity within the nervous system. While PNNs have been extensively studied in the brain, their specific functions within the spinal cord and the consequences of their disruption remain unclear. This review summarizes current knowledge about spinal PNNs, their roles in healthy conditions, and their potential involvement in pathological conditions like traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Spinal PNNs differ from cortical PNNs in composition, modulation, and the types of neurons they surround, suggesting distinct roles in the spinal cord.
2
Following SCI, the fate of spinal PNNs is controversial, with studies reporting reductions, no changes, or increases in PNN thickness, depending on the marker used, the type of neuron evaluated, and the chronicity and type of injury.
3
Activity-dependent therapies like rehabilitation can prevent PNNs decline after SCI, potentially contributing to synaptic stabilization of newly formed connections and promoting functional recovery.

Research Summary

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are specialized extracellular matrix structures that play a critical role in modulating plasticity and stability in the central nervous system. Following spinal cord injury (SCI), PNNs undergo changes that can either promote or inhibit recovery, and interventions targeting the extracellular matrix, including PNNs, have shown promise in promoting regeneration and stabilization of spinal circuits. Overall, a better understanding of spinal PNNs is crucial for developing more effective and targeted strategies to treat SCI and other neuronal disorders, where both protection of synaptic integrity and controlled plasticity are needed.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Targeting of PNNs

Selective modulation of spinal PNNs could be a potential therapeutic strategy for promoting recovery after SCI.

Combinatorial Therapies

Combining PNN-modulating interventions with rehabilitation may enhance functional recovery after SCI.

Understanding PNN Dynamics

Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of spinal PNNs in both healthy and injured states to develop targeted treatments.

Study Limitations

1
Contradictory findings regarding the fate of spinal PNNs after SCI.
2
Non-specific effects of ChABC may complicate the understanding of spinal PNNs' role.
3
Limited studies evaluating pathological conditions in the spinal cord.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury