Article
Developmental Biology
Lili Zhou, Anthony R. McAdow, Hunter Yamada, Brooke Burris, Dana Klatt Shaw, Kelsey Oonk, Kenneth D. Poss, Mayssa H. Mokalled
Summary: Unlike mammals, adult zebrafish have the ability to recover from major spinal cord injury. Glial cells in zebrafish play a pro-regenerative role in bridging the injured area, unlike reactive gliosis observed in mammalian spinal cord repair. This study provides insights into the molecular and cellular responses of glial cells after spinal cord injury in adult zebrafish, identifying key regulatory features and cellular progeny involved in innate spinal cord regeneration.
Review
Neurosciences
Yamil Miranda-Negron, Jose E. Garcia-Arraras
Summary: Radial glia-like cells, traditionally associated with the developing nervous system, are also found in the adult central nervous system where they function as neurogenic progenitors in normal homeostasis and injury response. Molecular tools have been used to probe the heterogeneity of these cells and similar cells have been identified in non-vertebrate organisms.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Teng Ma, Jiahe Wu, Jiafu Mu, Jianqing Gao
Summary: Due to the complex pathophysiological mechanism, spinal cord injury (SCI) is difficult to treat using traditional cell transplantation strategies. However, the use of biomaterials to enhance MSCs transplantation has gained attention in recent years. Biomaterials can improve cell survival rate and enhance therapeutic effects.
ASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kanagaraj Palsamy, Jessica Y. Chen, Kaia Skaggs, Yusuf Qadeer, Meghan Connors, Noah Cutler, Joshua Richmond, Vineeth Kommidi, Allison Poles, Danielle Affrunti, Curtis Powell, Daniel Goldman, Jack M. Parent
Summary: The adult zebrafish brain has the ability to regenerate, while mammals do not. In this study, the role of microglia in brain repair was explored. It was found that inhibition or loss of microglia impaired the regeneration process and prolonged the inflammatory phase.
Review
Cell Biology
Malgorzata Zawadzka, Anna Kwasniewska, Krzysztof Miazga, Urszula Slawinska
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that requires improved clinical treatment. The potential benefits of cell transplantation in treating injured spinal cords, either alone or in combination with other factors, show promise for future therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in regenerative mechanisms supporting or restoring spinal cord function through cell-based experimental strategies have been reviewed in this study.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhihao Zhang, Zhijie Zhu, Xiaoshuang Zuo, Xuankang Wang, Cheng Ju, Zhuowen Liang, Kun Li, Jiawei Zhang, Liang Luo, Yangguang Ma, Zhiwen Song, Xin Li, Penghui Li, Huilin Quan, Peipei Huang, Zhou Yao, Ning Yang, Jie Zhou, Zhenzhen Kou, Beiyu Chen, Tan Ding, Zhe Wang, Xueyu Hu
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of photobiomodulation (PBM) in relieving neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI). It was found that PBM therapy inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes, decreased the expression of CXCL10 in glial cells, and mediated the NF-κB signaling pathway.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhifeng You, Xu Gao, Xinyi Kang, Wen Yang, Tiandi Xiong, Yue Li, Feng Wei, Yan Zhuang, Ting Zhang, Yifu Sun, He Shen, Jianwu Dai
Summary: Neural regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) is closely related to the formation of microvascular endothelial cells (MECs) mediated neurovascular unit. This study established a method for isolating primary spinal cord-derived MECs (SCMECs) with high cell yield and purity to investigate their therapeutic effects on SCI. Transcriptomics and proteomics identified differentially expressed genes and proteins in SCMECs that were involved in angiogenesis, immunity, metabolism, and cell adhesion molecular signaling. SCMECs and brain-derived MECs (BMECs) showed different levels of angiogenesis and promoted proliferation, migration, and differentiation of spinal cord or brain-derived neural stem cells (SNSC/BNSC). SCMECs in combination with the NeuroRegen scaffold showed higher effectiveness in promoting vascular reconstruction and neuronal regeneration compared to BMECs, possibly through the VEGF/AKT/eNOS-signaling pathway.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez, Pavla Jendelova, Slaven Erceg
Summary: Ependymal cells, dormant progenitors in the spinal cord, undergo significant changes following spinal cord injury (SCI). The understanding of molecular events that activate ependymal cells after SCI is crucial for controlling the regenerative response in damaged tissues. This review focuses on cell adhesion molecules, cellular membrane receptors, ion channels, and transcription factors that mediate SCI-induced activation of ependymal cells. The coordinated expression of receptors and ion channels regulates ependymal cell activation and may contribute to cellular replacement and tissue regeneration after SCI.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Peng Peng, Hao Yu, Yongjin Li, Jingyuan Huang, Shengyu Yao, Cong Xing, Weixiao Liu, Bin Zhang, Shiqing Feng
Summary: SCI is a severe disease with high mortality and morbidity globally, lacking effective therapeutic interventions. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs play a crucial role in neural tissues and are closely related to the pathophysiology of SCI.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC TRANSLATION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sisi Mi, Xue Wang, Jiaxin Gao, Yu Liu, Zhongquan Qi
Summary: After spinal cord injury (SCI), the microenvironment inhibits neural regeneration due to the abundance of inhibitory factors and lack of factors promoting nerve regeneration. This study developed a bioactive material, hp-SHED sheet, to mimic the natural spinal cord structure and enhance nerve cell attachment and migration. Implantation of hp-SHED sheet in SCI rats promoted nerve regeneration, axonal remyelination, and inhibited glial scarring, leading to the restoration of sensory and motor functions.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Femke Mussen, Jana Van Broeckhoven, Niels Hellings, Melissa Schepers, Tim Vanmierlo
Summary: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by severe neuroinflammation and hampered neuroregeneration. Current therapies have limited effectiveness, so new strategies targeting the initial inflammatory reactions and promoting endogenous repair are crucial. Adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates these processes and inhibiting its hydrolyzing enzyme phosphodiesterase (PDE) has shown promise in modulating inflammation and promoting regeneration. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative role of cAMP-specific PDE inhibition in SCI.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Fan Bie, Kaiyang Wang, Tao Xu, Jishan Yuan, Hua Ding, Bin Lv, Yuwen Liu, Min Lan
Summary: Studies have shown that circRNAs are highly expressed in the spinal cord and play key roles in various neurological disease processes. Recent research has emerged on the role of circRNAs in SCI, leading to continued relevant studies. The analysis of circRNAs in affecting the processes of SCI and their potential clinical value as therapeutic targets has been conducted.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Dingyang Liu, He Shen, Yeyu Shen, Ge Long, Xinghui He, Yannan Zhao, Zhiquan Yang, Jianwu Dai, Xing Li
Summary: The study indicates that the scaffold loaded with dual cues shows good effects in promoting neuron and endothelial cell migration, as well as axon and vessel regeneration. Long-term therapeutic effects include revascularization, spinal cord axonal regeneration, fibrotic scar reduction, electrophysiological recovery, and motor function improvement.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Min Jung Kwon, Yeojin Seo, Hana Cho, Hyung Soon Kim, Young Joo Oh, Simay Geniscan, Minjae Kim, Hee Hwan Park, Eun-Hye Joe, Myung-Hee Kwon, Han Chang Kang, Byung Gon Kim
Summary: Preconditioning nerve injury can enhance axonal regeneration of DRG neurons by activating pro-regenerative perineuronal macrophages. This study reveals that oncomodulin (ONCM) produced from regeneration-associated macrophages strongly influences the regeneration of DRG sensory axons. Delivery of ONCM using a nanogel system can promote sensory axon regeneration following spinal cord injury.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
D. Silva, R. A. Sousa, A. J. Salgado
Summary: Hydrogel delivery systems have the potential to promote regeneration after spinal cord injury by supporting axonal growth and endogenous regeneration, as well as loading and releasing therapeutic agents. Important characteristics to consider when designing hydrogels as delivery systems include rheology, mesh size, swelling, degradation, gelation temperature, and surface charge.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tommy Hosman, Jacqueline B. Hynes, Jad Saab, Kaitlin G. Wilcoxen, Bradley R. Buchbinder, Nicholas Schmansky, Sydney S. Cash, Emad N. Eskandar, John D. Simeral, Brian Franco, Jessica Kelemen, Carlos E. Vargas-Irwin, Leigh R. Hochberg
Summary: The study compares neuronal ensemble recordings from the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and precentral gyrus (PCG) of a tetraplegic individual using an iBCI. It found that PCG is more involved in choosing and executing intended movements, while MFG contributes to sensorimotor processing steps prior to the action plan in PCG, especially when actions are instructed using auditory cues. This highlights a novel function of neurons in the human left MFG in auditory processing for motor control.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vaibhav Patil, Enda O'Connell, Leo R. Quinlan, Howard Fearnhead, Siobhan McMahon, Abhay Pandit
Summary: This study presents an in vitro model of mixed glial culture to induce inflammation by pro-inflammatory cytokines, replicating acute and chronic inflammatory phases associated with spinal cord injury. The researchers observed differential modulation of inflammatory pathways over 21 days, with mitochondrial dysfunction associated with cytokine treatment. The developed model, along with the high-throughput screening platform, facilitates the screening of anti-reactive glial therapeutics for SCI treatment.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Yicheng Ding, Aisling O'Brien, Berta Marco de la Cruz, Meimei Yang, Yin Lu, Xiaohong Qian, Guangming Yang, Veronica McInerney, Janusz Krawczyk, Sally A. Lynch, Linda Howard, Nicholas M. Allen, Timothy O'Brien, Louise Gallagher, Sanbing Shen
Summary: NRXN1 deletions are commonly found in ASD and other neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders. Derivation of iPSCs from different diseases involving different deletion regions is essential for studying NRXN1's numerous splicing variants.
STEM CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Ning Ge, Min Liu, Xiaoran Zhu, Janusz Krawczyk, Veronica McInerney, Sanbing Shen, Timothy O'Brien, Terence Prendiville
Summary: Three human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines were generated from a healthy 7-year-old boy using non-integrational Sendai reprogramming method expressing specific genes. The stem cells were characterized through morphology, immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR, and showed differentiation potential to all three germ layers with lineage verification and normal molecular karyotyping.
STEM CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Yicheng Ding, Aisling O'Brien, Berta Marco de la Cruz, Meimei Yang, Jacqueline Fitzgerald, Guangming Yang, Weidong Li, Veronica McInerney, Janusz Krawczyk, Sally A. Lynch, Linda Howard, Nicholas M. Allen, Timothy O'Brien, Louise Gallagher, Sanbing Shen
Summary: NRXN1 gene encodes numerous splicing variants, with NRXN1 alpha playing a crucial role in neuronal excitation and inhibition, and its deletion being associated with ASD. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from ASD patients carrying NRXN1 alpha(+/-) provide an opportunity for further investigating the function of NRXN1 alpha in human neurons and ASD.
STEM CELL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sahar Avazzadeh, Leo R. Quinlan, Jamie Reilly, Katya McDonagh, Amirhossein Jalali, Yanqin Wang, Veronica McInerney, Janusz Krawczyk, Yicheng Ding, Jacqueline Fitzgerald, Matthew O'Sullivan, Eva B. Forman, Sally A. Lynch, Sean Ennis, Niamh Feerick, Richard Reilly, Weidong Li, Xu Shen, Guangming Yang, Yin Lu, Hilde Peeters, Peter Dockery, Timothy O'Brien, Sanbing Shen, Louise Gallagher
Summary: NRXN1α(+/-) patient-derived cortical neurons exhibit alterations in sodium currents, action potential characteristics, and transcriptomic changes related to upregulated glutamatergic synapse and ion channels/transporter activity. These changes are likely to contribute to the enhanced excitability observed in NRXN1α(+/-) cortical neurons, indicating potential therapeutic targets for ASD.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Rutao Wang, Patrick W. Serruys, Chao Gao, Hironori Hara, Kuniaki Takahashi, Masafumi Ono, Hideyuki Kawashima, Neil O'leary, David R. Holmes, Adam Witkowski, Nick Curzen, Francesco Burzotta, Stefan James, Robert-Jan Van Geuns, Arie Pieter Kappetein, Marie-Angele Morel, Stuart J. Head, Daniel J. F. M. Thuijs, Piroze M. Davierwala, Timothy O'Brien, Valentin Fuster, Scot Garg, Yoshinobu Onuma
Summary: This study compared the 10-year all-cause death rates in patients with three-vessel disease or left main coronary artery disease who underwent either PCI or CABG. The results showed no significant difference in all-cause death rates at 10 years between PCI and CABG, regardless of diabetic status. However, there might be a survival benefit with CABG in patients with insulin-treated diabetes.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Ciara Shortiss, Linda Howard, Siobhan S. McMahon
Summary: Spinal cord injury is a devastating trauma that can lead to permanent disability and chronic issues, presenting a significant socioeconomic burden. Regenerative medicine aims to overcome injury and restore function through gene therapy and tissue engineering. Combining biomaterials and lentiviral vectors has been shown to be more effective in promoting repair and function restoration post SCI.
Editorial Material
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Eva M. Sweeney, Aaron W. Beger, Luke Reid
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Fabio Quondamatteo, Dora E. Corzo-Leon, Cecilia Brassett, Ian Colquhoun, David C. Davies, Peter Dockery, Sue Grenham, Simon Guild, Amanda Hunter, James Jones, Thomas C. Lee, Chris Tracey, Tracey Wilkinson, Carol A. Munro, Thomas H. Gillingwater, Simon H. Parson
Summary: Teaching and learning anatomy using human cadaveric specimens has been a longstanding tradition, but the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to this practice. Research on embalming solutions showed their ability to neutralize the virus, offering hope for the safe resumption of body donation programs and cadaveric anatomy teaching.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Muireann O'Reilly, Rachel Beatty, Shauna McBride, Benjamin Brennan, Peter Dockery, Garry P. Duffy
Summary: Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) occur in approximately 40% of individuals with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease and are indicative of critical limb ischaemia. Currently, few medical devices can effectively treat CTOs long-term, with amputation often required. This study aims to develop a workflow for further characterising the complex anatomy of CTOs and creating 3D models, which may be useful in producing a vascular CTO biomimetic for device testing. The study successfully establishes a workflow using high-resolution microcomputed tomography (mu CT) to generate 3D models of CTO components. This research holds great promise in improving device development for treating critical limb ischaemia.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rachel Ronan, Aniket Kshirsagar, Ana Lucia Rebelo, Abbah Sunny, Michelle Kilcoyne, Roisin O' Flaherty, Pauline M. Rudd, Gerhard Schlosser, Radka Saldova, Abhay Pandit, Siobhan S. McMahon
Summary: Traumatic spinal cord injury disrupts tissue integrity and function. This study investigates the role of glycosylation in regeneration and suggests that targeting glycosylation could be a promising strategy for future therapies.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Emma C. Graham, Eva M. Sweeney, Christopher D. Johnson
Summary: We conducted a survey to understand the extent of ultrasound use in teaching undergraduate anatomy and physiology modules in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The results showed that although ultrasound is used for various body systems, only a small proportion of courses incorporate ultrasound in their teaching. The main barriers identified are unfamiliarity with the technology and its potential uses. However, there is widespread interest in using ultrasound as a teaching tool, indicating the need for further dissemination of this practice.
ADVANCES IN PHYSIOLOGY EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Clara Sanz-Nogues, Michael Creane, Sean O. Hynes, Xizhe Chen, Christine Ayu Lagonda, Katarzyna Goljanek-Whysall, Timothy O'Brien
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a multiparametric scoring tool for assessing the severity of skeletal muscle ischaemia in a commonly used preclinical animal model. The study found a significant negative correlation between the level of muscle ischaemia damage and the calf muscle weight and skeletal muscle fibre diameter.
JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Beatrice Charamba, Aaron Liew, Eileen Coen, John Newell, Timothy O'Brien, William Wijns, Andrew J. Simpkin
Summary: This study utilized sensor technology to investigate the temporal relationship between glucose and ECG data over one week. It found that QTc was longer on average during hyperglycaemia.
ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES & METABOLISM
(2021)