Transplantation of Chemically Induced Human Fibroblast-Derived Cells Enhances Functional Recovery in a Common Marmoset Model of Spinal Cord Injury

Acta Histochem. Cytochem., 2025 · DOI: 10.1267/ahc.24-00067 · Published: February 27, 2025

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

This study explores a new way to treat spinal cord injuries by transplanting special cells called immature chemical-induced neuron-like (CiN) cells. These cells are created from human skin cells using only chemicals, avoiding genetic modification. The researchers tested this treatment on marmosets, which are monkeys, after they had a spinal cord injury. They found that the marmosets who received the CiN cell transplant showed better motor function recovery compared to those who didn't. This suggests that using CiN cells could be a promising new approach for treating spinal cord injuries in humans, as it appears to help with nerve recovery and reduces inflammation.

Study Duration

6 Weeks

Participants

9 common marmosets (5 in immature CiN group, 4 in control group)

Evidence Level

Level III, Animal study

Key Findings

1
Immature CiN cell transplantation partially improves spontaneous motor activity in marmoset models of SCI.
2
Transplantation with immature CiN cells improves motor neuron preservation at the lesion site.
3
Fractional anisotropy values +5 mm caudal from the injury site were significantly higher in the immature CiN cell-transplanted group

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of immature CiN cell transplantation in a marmoset SCI model. Immature CiN cells were transplanted into a subacute marmoset model of SCI on Day 9 after contusion injury, and the therapeutic efficacy was assessed. Animals transplanted with immature CiN cells exhibited significantly enhanced motor recovery compared to control animals, consistent with improved nerve recovery or preservation. Histopathological and MRI analyses confirmed that CiN cell transplantation improved nerve recovery or preservation and reduced inflammation. The findings suggest that immature CiN cells can effectively treat SCI in primates and that this direct chemical reprogramming strategy may be valuable in protective therapy for neurodegenerative diseases and regenerative medicine.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Strategy

Immature CiN cell transplantation offers a potential therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury, showing promise in improving motor function recovery in primates.

Clinical Translation

The findings support further investigation into the clinical translation of CiN cell therapy for SCI, considering the benefits observed in a primate model.

Regenerative Medicine

The study contributes to the field of regenerative medicine by demonstrating the efficacy of chemically induced cells in promoting nerve recovery and reducing inflammation in SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Characteristics of immature CiN cells are not entirely clear.
2
The metabolic and ultimate fate of immature CiN cells post-transplantation remains unclear.
3
Transplanted human-derived cells were not detected in marmosets five weeks after transplantation.

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