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Feng Y, Wang J, Ling S, Li Z, Li M, Li Q, Ma Z, Yu S. Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal cells on fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix as a tissue engineered nerve scaffold. Neural Regen Res 2015; 9:1968-78. [PMID: 25598779 PMCID: PMC4283279 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.145378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix as a scaffold for supporting the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neural cells following induction with neural differentiation medium. We performed long-term, continuous observation of cell morphology, growth, differentiation, and neuronal development using several microscopy techniques in conjunction with immunohistochemistry. We examined specific neuronal proteins and Nissl bodies involved in the differentiation process in order to determine the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The results show that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells that differentiate on fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix display neuronal morphology with unipolar and bi/multipolar neurite elongations that express neuronal-specific proteins, including βIII tubulin. The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells grown on fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix and induced for long periods of time with neural differentiation medium differentiated into a multilayered neural network-like structure with long nerve fibers that was composed of several parallel microfibers and neuronal cells, forming a complete neural circuit with dendrite-dendrite to axon-dendrite to dendrite-axon synapses. In addition, growth cones with filopodia were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Paraffin sectioning showed differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with the typical features of neuronal phenotype, such as a large, round nucleus and a cytoplasm full of Nissl bodies. The data suggest that the biological scaffold fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix is capable of supporting human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into functional neurons and the subsequent formation of tissue engineered nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Feng
- Animal Medicine College of Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China ; Gansu Provincial Animal Cell Engineering Center; Key Laboratory of Bioengineering & Technology of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Life Science and Engineering College of Northwest University for Nationalities, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Systems Biology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shixin Ling
- Gansu Provincial Animal Cell Engineering Center; Key Laboratory of Bioengineering & Technology of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Life Science and Engineering College of Northwest University for Nationalities, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Gansu Provincial Animal Cell Engineering Center; Key Laboratory of Bioengineering & Technology of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Life Science and Engineering College of Northwest University for Nationalities, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Mingsheng Li
- Gansu Provincial Animal Cell Engineering Center; Key Laboratory of Bioengineering & Technology of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Life Science and Engineering College of Northwest University for Nationalities, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Qiongyi Li
- Gansu Provincial Animal Cell Engineering Center; Key Laboratory of Bioengineering & Technology of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Life Science and Engineering College of Northwest University for Nationalities, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Zongren Ma
- Gansu Provincial Animal Cell Engineering Center; Key Laboratory of Bioengineering & Technology of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Life Science and Engineering College of Northwest University for Nationalities, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- Animal Medicine College of Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
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Intraspinal AAV Injections Immediately Rostral to a Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Site Efficiently Transduces Neurons in Spinal Cord and Brain. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e108. [PMID: 23881451 PMCID: PMC3731889 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the vast majority of studies utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) in central nervous system applications, including those published with spinal cord injury (SCI) models, AAV has been administered at the level of the cell body of neurons targeted for genetic modification, resulting in transduction of neurons in the vicinity of the injection site. However, as SCI interrupts many axon tracts, it may be more beneficial to transduce a diverse pool of supraspinal neurons. We determined if descending axons severed by SCI are capable of retrogradely transporting AAV to remotely transduce a variety of brain regions. Different AAV serotypes encoding the reporter green fluorescent protein (GFP) were injected into gray and white matter immediately rostral to a spinal transection site. This resulted in the transduction of thousands of neurons within the spinal cord and in multiple regions within the brainstem that project to spinal cord. In addition, we established that different serotypes had disparate regional specificity and that AAV5 transduced the most brain and spinal cord neurons. This is the first demonstration that retrograde transport of AAV by axons severed by SCI is an effective means to transduce a collection of supraspinal neurons. Thus, we identify a novel, minimally invasive means to transduce a variety of neuronal populations within both the spinal cord and the brain following SCI. This paradigm to broadly distribute viral vectors has the potential to be an important component of a combinatorial strategy to promote functional axonal regeneration.
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Houle JD, Côté MP. Axon regeneration and exercise-dependent plasticity after spinal cord injury. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2013; 1279:154-63. [PMID: 23531013 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Current dogma states that meaningful recovery of function after spinal cord injury (SCI) will likely require a combination of therapeutic interventions comprised of regenerative/neuroprotective transplants, addition of neurotrophic factors, elimination of inhibitory molecules, functional sensorimotor training, and/or stimulation of paralyzed muscles or spinal circuits. We routinely use (1) peripheral nerve grafts to support and direct axonal regeneration across an incomplete cervical or complete thoracic transection injury, (2) matrix modulation with chondroitinase (ChABC) to facilitate axonal extension beyond the distal graft-spinal cord interface, and (3) exercise, such as forced wheel walking, bicycling, or step training on a treadmill. We and others have demonstrated an increase in spinal cord levels of endogenous neurotrophic factors with exercise, which may be useful in facilitating elongation and/or synaptic activity of regenerating axons and plasticity of spinal neurons below the level of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Houle
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
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Li J, Lepski G. Cell transplantation for spinal cord injury: a systematic review. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:786475. [PMID: 23484157 PMCID: PMC3581246 DOI: 10.1155/2013/786475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell transplantation, as a therapeutic intervention for spinal cord injury (SCI), has been extensively studied by researchers in recent years. A number of different kinds of stem cells, neural progenitors, and glial cells have been tested in basic research, and most have been excluded from clinical studies because of a variety of reasons, including safety and efficacy. The signaling pathways, protein interactions, cellular behavior, and the differentiated fates of experimental cells have been studied in vitro in detail. Furthermore, the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and effects on promoting functional recovery of transplanted cells have also been examined in different animal SCI models. However, despite significant progress, a "bench to bedside" gap still exists. In this paper, we comprehensively cover publications in the field from the last years. The most commonly utilized cell lineages were covered in this paper and specific areas covered include survival of grafted cells, axonal regeneration and remyelination, sensory and motor functional recovery, and electrophysiological improvements. Finally we also review the literature on the in vivo tracking techniques for transplanted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, 646000 Luzhou, China
| | - Guilherme Lepski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Avnida Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 255, 05403-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Alilain WJ, Horn KP, Hu H, Dick TE, Silver J. Functional regeneration of respiratory pathways after spinal cord injury. Nature 2011; 475:196-200. [PMID: 21753849 PMCID: PMC3163458 DOI: 10.1038/nature10199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) often occur at the cervical level above the phrenic motor pools, which innervate the diaphragm. Unfortunately, the untoward effects of impaired breathing are a leading cause of SCI-related death, underscoring the importance of developing strategies to restore respiratory activity. Here we show that after cervical SCI, there is upregulation of the perineuronal net (PNN) associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) around phrenic motor neurons. Digestion of these potently inhibitory extracellular matrix molecules with Chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) can, by itself, promote plasticity of spared tracts and restore limited activity to the paralyzed diaphragm. However, when combined with application of a peripheral nerve autograft, ChABC treatment results in lengthy regeneration of serotonergic axons and other bulbospinal fibers with remarkable recovery of diaphragm function. Following recovery and initial transection of the bridge, there occurs an unusual, overall increased tonic diaphragmatic EMG activity, suggesting considerable remodeling of spinal cord circuitry after regeneration. This is followed by complete elimination of the restored activity proving that regeneration is critical for the return of function. Overall, these experiments present a way to profoundly restore function of a single muscle following debilitating CNS trauma, through both plasticity of spared tracts and regeneration of essential pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Alilain
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
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Côté MP, Amin AA, Tom VJ, Houle JD. Peripheral nerve grafts support regeneration after spinal cord injury. Neurotherapeutics 2011; 8:294-303. [PMID: 21360238 PMCID: PMC3101823 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-011-0024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic insults to the spinal cord induce both immediate mechanical damage and subsequent tissue degeneration leading to a substantial physiological, biochemical, and functional reorganization of the spinal cord. Various spinal cord injury (SCI) models have shown the adaptive potential of the spinal cord and its limitations in the case of total or partial absence of supraspinal influence. Meaningful recovery of function after SCI will most likely result from a combination of therapeutic strategies, including neural tissue transplants, exogenous neurotrophic factors, elimination of inhibitory molecules, functional sensorimotor training, and/or electrical stimulation of paralyzed muscles or spinal circuits. Peripheral nerve grafts provide a growth-permissive substratum and local neurotrophic factors to enhance the regenerative effort of axotomized neurons when grafted into the site of injury. Regenerating axons can be directed via the peripheral nerve graft toward an appropriate target, but they fail to extend beyond the distal graft-host interface because of the deposition of growth inhibitors at the site of SCI. One method to facilitate the emergence of axons from a graft into the spinal cord is to digest the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans that are associated with a glial scar. Importantly, regenerating axons that do exit the graft are capable of forming functional synaptic contacts. These results have been demonstrated in acute injury models in rats and cats and after a chronic injury in rats and have important implications for our continuing efforts to promote structural and functional repair after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pascale Côté
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Spinal Cord Research Center, 2900 Queen Lane, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129 USA
| | - Arthi A. Amin
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Spinal Cord Research Center, 2900 Queen Lane, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129 USA
| | - Veronica J. Tom
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Spinal Cord Research Center, 2900 Queen Lane, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129 USA
| | - John D. Houle
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Spinal Cord Research Center, 2900 Queen Lane, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129 USA
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Klüppel M. Efficient secretion of biologically active Chondroitinase ABC from mammalian cells in the absence of an N-terminal signal peptide. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 351:1-11. [PMID: 21213020 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0705-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Proteoglycans carrying chondroitin sulfate side chains have been shown to fulfill important biological functions in development, disease, and signaling. One area of considerable interest is the functional importance of chondroitin sulfates as inhibitors of the regeneration of axonal projections in the mammalian central nervous system. In animal models of spinal cord injury, injections of the enzyme Chondroitinase ABC from the bacterium Proteus vulgaris into the lesion site leads to degradation of chondroitin sulfates, and promotes axonal regeneration and significant functional recovery. Here, a mammalian expression system of an epitope-tagged Chondroitinase ABC protein is described. It is demonstrated that the addition of a eukaryotic secretion signal sequence to the N-terminus of the bacterial Chondroitinase ABC sequence allowed secretion, but interfered with function of the secreted enzyme. In contrast, expression of the Chondroitinase ABC gene without N-terminal eukaryotic secretion sequence or bacterial hydrophobic leader sequence led to efficient secretion of a biologically active Chondroitinase ABC protein from both immortalized and primary cells. Moreover, the C-terminal epitope tag could be utilized to follow expression of this protein. This novel Chondroitinase ABC gene is a valuable tool for a better understanding of the in vivo roles of chondroitin sulfates in mammalian development and disease, as well as in gene therapy approaches, including the treatment of spinal chord injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klüppel
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60614-4314, USA.
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Carulli D, Pizzorusso T, Kwok JCF, Putignano E, Poli A, Forostyak S, Andrews MR, Deepa SS, Glant TT, Fawcett JW. Animals lacking link protein have attenuated perineuronal nets and persistent plasticity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 133:2331-47. [PMID: 20566484 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awq145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix restrict plasticity in the adult central nervous system and their digestion with chondroitinase reactivates plasticity. However the structures in the extracellular matrix that restrict plasticity are unknown. There are many changes in the extracellular matrix as critical periods for plasticity close, including changes in chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan core protein levels, changes in glycosaminoglycan sulphation and the appearance of dense chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan-containing perineuronal nets around many neurons. We show that formation of perineuronal nets is triggered by neuronal production of cartilage link protein Crtl1 (Hapln1), which is up-regulated in the visual cortex as perineuronal nets form during development and after dark rearing. Mice lacking Crtl1 have attenuated perineuronal nets, but the overall levels of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans and their pattern of glycan sulphation are unchanged. Crtl1 knockout animals retain juvenile levels of ocular dominance plasticity and their visual acuity remains sensitive to visual deprivation. In the sensory pathway, axons in knockout animals but not controls sprout into the party denervated cuneate nucleus. The organization of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan into perineuronal nets is therefore the key event in the control of central nervous system plasticity by the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Carulli
- Cambridge University Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0PY, UK
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Jakeman LB, Hoschouer EL, Basso DM. Injured mice at the gym: review, results and considerations for combining chondroitinase and locomotor exercise to enhance recovery after spinal cord injury. Brain Res Bull 2010; 84:317-26. [PMID: 20558254 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Exercise provides a number of important benefits after spinal cord injury in clinical studies and animal models. However, the amount of functional improvement in overground locomotion obtained with exercise alone has been limited thus far, for reasons that are still poorly understood. One hypothesis is that the complex network of endogenous extracellular matrix components, including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), can inhibit exercise-induced remodeling and limit plasticity of spared circuitry in the adult central nervous system. Recent animal studies have shown that chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) can enhance plasticity in the adult nervous system by cleaving glycosaminoglycan sidechains from CSPGs. In this article we review the current literature on plasticity observed with locomotor training and following degradation of CSPGs with ChABC and then present a rationale for the use of exercise combined with ChABC to promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury. We also present results of a preliminary study that tested the simplest approach for combining these treatments; use of a single intraparenchymal injection of ChABC administered to the lumbar enlargement of mice with voluntary wheel running exercise after a mid-thoracic spinal contusion injury. The results are negative, yet serve to highlight limitations in our understanding of the most effective protocols for combining these approaches. Further work is directed to identify the timing, type, and quantity of exercise and pharmacological interventions that can be used to maximize functional improvements by strengthening appropriate synaptic connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyn B Jakeman
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, 43210, USA.
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