The Ryk Receptor Is Expressed in Glial and Fibronectin-Expressing Cells after Spinal Cord Injury

JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA, 2013 · DOI: 10.1089/neu.2012.2613 · Published: May 15, 2013

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major central nervous system (CNS) pathology with no currently accepted treatment. Wnts are a well-characterized family of glycoproteins that play prominent roles during neural development. Ryk is a well-known unconventional Wnt receptor that is composed of a Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1)-like extracellular domain that enables its interaction with different Wnt ligands.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

51 male Wistar rats

Evidence Level

In vivo study

Key Findings

1
Ryk mRNA expression increased from 24 hours post-injury until 7 days post-injury.
2
Ryk protein levels were significantly augmented at 7 and 14 days post-injury.
3
After SCI, Ryk expression was observed in axons, reactive astrocytes and microglia/macrophages, NG2 + glial precursors, oligodendrocytes, and fibronectin + cells.

Research Summary

This study shows the pattern of Ryk receptor expression in the unlesioned adult spinal cord, in neurons (mainly in the ventral horns), astrocytes close to the pial surface, and blood vessels. We also found that Ryk mRNA and protein expression levels increased significantly after SCI, when compared with unlesioned spinal cords. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that, beyond its well-known role in axonal regeneration after SCI, this receptor may be involved in other pivotal cellular events that characterize the development of spinal cord insults.

Practical Implications

Understanding Ryk's Role

Further study is needed to understand the biological relevance of Ryk expression in neurons, endothelial cells, and astrocytes in the unlesioned adult spinal cord.

Modulation Potential

The study suggests the potential biological relevance of modulating Ryk activity during SCI progression.

Therapeutic Target

Ryk may be involved in other pivotal cellular events that characterize the development of spinal cord insults, suggesting it as a therapeutic target.

Study Limitations

1
The function of Ryk in the mature CNS remains completely unknown
2
Little data regarding the expression of Ryk in the lesioned spinal cord
3
Further studies are needed to ascertain the function of Ryk in adult neurons and endothelial cells

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