Transplantation of IGF-1-induced BMSC-derived NPCs promotes tissue repair and motor recovery in a rat spinal cord injury model

This research explores a stem cell-based therapy for spinal cord injuries (SCI) using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). These cells can be transformed into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with the help of a growth factor called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The study found that by manipulating a specific microRNA (miR-22-3p) and using IGF-1, the resulting NPCs showed enhanced proliferation and differentiation into neuronal-like cells. These cells were then transplanted into a rat model of SCI. The rat model showed improved motor and sensory function recovery after the transplantation, suggesting that these specially prepared NPCs could be a promising therapy for SCI.

• 1
  IGF-1 enhances the proliferation and survivability of BMSCs-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) by downregulating miR-22-3p.
• 2
  Knockdown of endogenous miR-22-3p in BMSCs-derived NPCs upregulates Akt1 expression, leading to enhanced cellular proliferation.
• 3
  Transplantation of NPCs in the SCI rat model results in better recovery in locomotor and sensory functions 4 weeks after transplantation.