Transplanted enteric neural stem cells integrate within the developing chick spinal cord: implications for spinal cord repair

Journal of Anatomy, 2018 · DOI: 10.1111/joa.12880 · Published: September 7, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are debilitating, and current treatments are limited. Stem cell therapy offers a potential avenue for repair by replacing damaged neurons and promoting regeneration. Enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs), derived from the gut's nervous system, are an attractive stem cell source. This study investigates the potential of ENSCs to integrate into the developing spinal cord using a chick embryo model. The findings support further research into ENSCs as a potential therapy for SCI, as transplanted ENSCs can survive, integrate, and differentiate into neurons within the injured spinal cord.

Study Duration

Up to 12 days post-transplantation

Participants

Chick embryos

Evidence Level

In vitro and in vivo experimental study

Key Findings

1
ENSCs co-cultured with spinal cord cells formed close connections, indicating potential for integration.
2
Transplanted ENSCs in chick embryos integrated within the injured spinal cord, forming bridging connections across the injury site.
3
ENSCs differentiated towards a neuronal fate within the spinal cord and aligned along the anterior-posterior axis.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of enteric neural stem cells (ENSCs) as a stem cell source for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair using the chick embryo model. The study demonstrates that ENSCs can integrate within the developing spinal cord, form connections with spinal cord cells, and differentiate into neurons. These findings provide early proof of principle support for the use of ENSCs for SCI, and encourage further research into their potential for repair.

Practical Implications

Stem Cell Therapy Development

ENSCs could be a viable source of stem cells for SCI treatment, offering an autologous and easily accessible source.

Regenerative Strategies

ENSCs can form bridging structures across spinal cord injuries, potentially promoting axonal regeneration and functional recovery.

Further Research

Further research is needed to explore ENSC transplantation in adult SCI models and assess their long-term efficacy and safety.

Study Limitations

1
Chick embryo model may not fully replicate adult human SCI pathology.
2
Study focuses on early integration and differentiation; long-term functional outcomes not assessed.
3
Further research is needed to examine specific neural subtypes that ENSCs contribute to.

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