Transdifferentiation of differentiated stem cells contributes to remyelination

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2015 · DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0186-y · Published: January 1, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can transform into various neuronal cells and aid in functional recovery after spinal cord injury. A recent study showed that already differentiated MSCs can transdifferentiate to help remyelinate damaged axons, improving function in spinal cord injured animals. The study emphasized the importance of the interaction between neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC) for these beneficial effects. Manipulating bone marrow-derived MSCs before transplant could improve the therapeutic benefits of cell-based treatments. Researchers genetically modified rat MSCs to overexpress either NT-3 or TrkC. They found that NT-3/TrkC interaction improves the ability of MSCs to transform into neural-like cells, ultimately contributing to the remyelination of injured axons.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Spinal cord injured rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The interaction between NT-3 and TrkC is crucial for improving the transdifferentiating potential of rMSCs into neural-like cells.
2
NT-3/TrkC binding caused the transdifferentiation of already differentiated rMSCs in the injured rat spinal cord.
3
Transdifferentiation of rMSC-derived neural-like cells into myelin-forming cells after their transplantation in the injured rat spinal cord.

Research Summary

This commentary discusses a study that demonstrates the transdifferentiation of differentiated MSCs contributes to remyelination of injured/regenerating axons. The study highlights the importance of NT-3/TrkC interaction in improving the transdifferentiating potential of rMSCs to neural-like cells. The most interesting outcome of this study is the transdifferentiation of rMSC-derived neural-like cells into myelin-forming cells after their transplantation in the injured rat spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Enhancement of Cell-Based Therapies

Manipulation of rat bone marrow-derived MSCs before transplantation could enhance the therapeutic benefit of cell-based treatment for spinal cord injury.

Understanding NT-3/TrkC Interaction

Further research into the molecular mechanisms of NT-3/TrkC signaling could unlock new avenues for promoting MSC transdifferentiation and remyelination.

Targeted Remyelination Strategies

The study provides a basis for developing targeted strategies to induce the transdifferentiation of MSCs into myelin-forming cells, potentially leading to improved locomotor recovery in spinal cord injured individuals.

Study Limitations

1
The authors did not elucidate the underlying mechanism of transdifferentiation of already differentiated cells.
2
We still do not understand why the nonmanipulated rMSCs were positive only for immature neuronal marker and not for astrocyte or oligodendrocyte markers.
3
Currently, we do not know why NT-3/TrkC binding in vitro led to transdifferentiation of TrkC-overexpressing rMSCs into myelin-forming cells and the associated mechanisms.

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