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A Neurosphere Assay to Evaluate Endogenous Neural Stem Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Minimal Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: September 13, 2018
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Are there endogenous stem cells in the spinal cord?
Michela Ferrucci1, Larisa Ryskalin, Carla L Busceti
1Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy -
Archives Italiennes De Biologie
|February 7, 2018
Summary
Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are crucial for central nervous system regeneration. This review confirms the presence and analyzes the triggers and stimuli of spinal cord NPCs, highlighting their regenerative potential in conditions like spinal cord injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are stem-like cells in the central nervous system with regenerative potential.
- The existence and activity of NPCs in the spinal cord, unlike the brain, have been historically debated due to low activity and identification challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental evidence supporting the presence of NPCs within the spinal cord.
- To analyze the site-specificity, phenotype, and triggers of spinal cord NPCs.
- To investigate the effects of neurogenic stimuli on spinal cord NPCs to understand endogenous neurogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies on spinal cord NPCs.
- Analysis of data from experimental models focusing on NPC characteristics and responses.
- Examination of the impact of specific neurogenic stimuli on spinal cord NPC activity.
Main Results:
- Evidence confirms the occurrence of NPCs within the spinal cord.
- Site-specificity, phenotype, and triggers of spinal cord NPCs have been identified.
- Specific neurogenic stimuli can modulate the activity of spinal cord NPCs, indicating endogenous neurogenic potential.
Conclusions:
- Spinal cord NPCs exist and possess regenerative capabilities, particularly relevant in spinal cord injury and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
- Understanding spinal cord NPC behavior is key to harnessing endogenous neurogenesis for therapeutic strategies.
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