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To Scar or Not to Scar
1Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|May 7, 2018
Summary
Reducing fibrotic scarring by genetically inhibiting pericyte proliferation aids axon regeneration and functional recovery following spinal cord injury. Further research is needed to clarify cell identity and scar effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fibrotic scarring impedes neural repair after spinal cord injury.
- Pericytes are implicated in scar formation and tissue repair.
- The precise role of pericytes in spinal cord injury (SCI) remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of abrogating type A pericyte proliferation on axon regeneration and functional recovery post-SCI.
- To explore the contribution of fibrotic scarring to SCI outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Genetic manipulation to inhibit type A pericyte proliferation in a model of spinal cord injury.
- Assessment of axon regeneration using histological and molecular techniques.
- Evaluation of functional recovery through behavioral tests.
Main Results:
- Genetically abrogating type A pericyte proliferation significantly reduced fibrotic scarring.
- Inhibition of pericyte proliferation promoted substantial axon regeneration.
- Significant functional recovery was observed in treated animals compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Targeting type A pericytes and reducing fibrotic scarring represents a promising therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury.
- Further studies are warranted to fully elucidate the cellular mechanisms and the complex role of fibrotic scarring in SCI recovery.
