Transplantation of Nogo-66 receptor gene-silenced cells in a poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold for the treatment of spinal cord injury

This study investigates a novel approach to treat spinal cord injury in rats by transplanting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Schwann cells, where the Nogo-66 receptor gene is silenced using small interfering RNA, combined with a poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolic acid) scaffold. The Nogo-66 receptor inhibits nerve regeneration. By silencing this gene, researchers aimed to enhance axonal regeneration and improve motor function after spinal cord injury. The poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolic acid) scaffold supports nerve fiber growth and is histocompatible, providing a suitable environment for the transplanted cells to facilitate spinal cord repair.

• 1
  Transplantation of Nogo-66 receptor gene-silenced cells with the scaffold significantly enhanced axonal regeneration of spinal cord neurons in rats with spinal cord injury.
• 2
  Rats treated with the gene-silenced cells and scaffold showed better lower extremity motor function compared to those treated with the scaffold alone.
• 3
  The number of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and neuron-like cells increased in the treatment group, and glial scar formation was reduced, promoting axonal growth.