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Published on: April 1, 2015
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Analyzing cell fusion events within the central nervous system using bone marrow chimerism
1Multiple Sclerosis and Stem Cell Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Neuroscience office, Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK, kevin.kemp@bristol.ac.uk.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|May 8, 2015
Summary
Bone marrow cells can enter the brain and fuse with neurons, potentially aiding in neuronal repair. This study introduces a novel chimeric mouse model to investigate these cell fusion events in the central nervous system.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bone marrow cells can migrate across the blood-brain barrier.
- Cellular fusion between bone marrow-derived stem cells and central nervous system (CNS) neurons is a proposed mechanism for genetic material transfer.
- The biological significance of this cell fusion remains largely unknown, but it may offer a rescue mechanism for damaged neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of cell fusion within the central nervous system.
- To establish a reliable model for studying bone marrow cell migration and fusion in the CNS.
- To analyze bone marrow-derived cell fusion and trans-differentiation events in the brain.
Main Methods:
- Development of a chimeric mouse model.
- Stable reconstitution of mice with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing, sex-mismatched bone marrow.
- Utilizing the chimeric model to track bone marrow cell migration and infiltration.
- Analyzing cell fusion and trans-differentiation within the CNS.
Main Results:
- The established chimeric mouse model effectively demonstrates bone marrow cell migration throughout the body.
- The model allows for the analysis of cell fusion events between bone marrow-derived cells and neuronal cells in the CNS.
- Trans-differentiation of bone marrow cells within the CNS can also be studied using this model.
Conclusions:
- Chimeric mice reconstituted with GFP-expressing bone marrow provide a valuable tool for studying cell fusion and trans-differentiation in the CNS.
- This model facilitates a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and implications of bone marrow cell interactions with the central nervous system.
- Further research using this model can elucidate the potential of cell fusion for neuronal repair and regeneration.
