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Updated: May 2, 2026
Synergetic Use of Neural Precursor Cells and Self-assembling Peptides in Experimental Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 23, 2015
Eupatilin ameliorates spinal cord injury by inhibiting damage-associated microglia and optimizing the regenerative
Zide Wang1, Zhe Meng1, Yaosai Liu1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beiing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China.
Abstract:
Microglia represent critical therapeutic targets in spinal cord injury (SCI), with damage-associated microglia (DAM) playing key roles in neuroinflammation and tissue repair. Through integrated in-silico analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and microarray datasets, we identified DAM subsets specific to acute SCI characterized by hub genes Fcer1g, Grn, and Gusb. Using a C57BL/6 mouse spinal cord contusion model, we validated increased DAM accumulation post-injury and demonstrated their propensity to transition toward homeostatic microglia (MG2). Eupatilin treatment promoted DAM-to-MG2 differentiation, as confirmed through bulk and scRNA-seq analyses, revealing supportive gene expression changes. These findings establish DAM as functionally distinct microglial populations in acute SCI and identify Eupatilin as a therapeutic agent that facilitates beneficial microglial polarization. This work provides mechanistic insights into microglial dynamics during SCI and suggests targeted modulation of DAM-to-MG2 transitions as a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting inflammation resolution and functional recovery.
Insights
Damage-associated microglia (DAM) are key in spinal cord injury (SCI). Eupatilin treatment promotes their beneficial transition to homeostatic microglia (MG2), aiding recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Microglia, particularly damage-associated microglia (DAM), are crucial in spinal cord injury (SCI) pathogenesis.
- Understanding microglial heterogeneity and dynamics is vital for developing effective SCI therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific DAM subsets in acute SCI and investigate their functional characteristics.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of Eupatilin in modulating microglial responses post-SCI.
Main Methods:
- Integrated in-silico analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and microarray data.
- Validation using a mouse spinal cord contusion model (C57BL/6).
- Assessment of Eupatilin's effects via bulk and scRNA-seq.
Main Results:
- Specific DAM subsets in acute SCI were identified, marked by hub genes Fcer1g, Grn, and Gusb.
- Increased DAM accumulation and a shift towards homeostatic microglia (MG2) were observed post-injury.
- Eupatilin treatment enhanced DAM-to-MG2 differentiation, supported by gene expression changes.
Conclusions:
- DAM are functionally distinct populations in acute SCI.
- Eupatilin facilitates beneficial microglial polarization from DAM to MG2.
- Targeting DAM-to-MG2 transitions offers a promising therapeutic strategy for SCI recovery.
