Tissue-Engineered Neural Network Graft Relays Excitatory Signal in the Completely Transected Canine Spinal Cord

Advanced Science, 2019 · DOI: 10.1002/advs.201901240 · Published: September 19, 2019

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new way to treat spinal cord injuries by using lab-grown neural networks to bridge the gap in damaged spinal cords. Researchers created these networks from neural stem cells and supporting cells, then implanted them into dogs with complete spinal cord transections. The results showed improved motor function in the dogs, suggesting the implanted networks helped relay signals across the injury.

Study Duration

24 weeks

Participants

27 healthy female beagles

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
NSC-derived NN tissue transplantation showed continuous motor and sensory improvement and were eventually able to regain coordinated weight-bearing locomotion.
2
The transplanted NSC-derived NN tissue created a pro-regenerative microenvironment for donor survival and axonal regeneration.
3
The transplanted neurons were successfully integrated into host neural circuits.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates the potential of tissue-engineered neural networks (NNs) to restore function after complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in canines. The NNs, derived from neural stem cells (NSCs), were implanted into the injury gap, leading to significant motor recovery. The implanted NNs facilitated nerve regeneration, synaptic integration, and transmission of excitatory signals across the injured area.

Practical Implications

Clinical Translation

The success in a large animal model (canines) provides a strong rationale for translating this tissue engineering approach to human clinical trials for SCI.

Cell Source Mitigation

The study suggests using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs or SCs to construct NN tissue, which may be a future strategy to mitigate cell source concerns.

Combination Therapies

Combining NN tissue transplantation with physiotherapy or rehabilitation may further enhance integration of the transplanted tissue and increase neural function restoration.

Study Limitations

1
Donor cell survival in vitro remains the primary challenge to stem cell-based SCI repair.
2
The optimal amount of CSF draining requires further study.
3
Validation of sensory recovery in animals requires special equipment or sophisticated training and compliance to the test, which were not performed in this study.

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