Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sailing Chen, Qianqian Chen, Xiaojiao Zhang, Yinying Shen, Xinyu Shi, Xiu Dai, Sheng Yi
Summary: Peripheral nerves have limited ability to regenerate after injury. The growth factor amphiregulin (AREG) is upregulated in Schwann cells of injured sciatic nerves and stimulates their proliferation and migration. Schwann cell-secreted AREG promotes neurite outgrowth and axon elongation. Administering AREG to injured nerves facilitates Schwann cell proliferation, cord formation, and axon regrowth. Overall, our study identifies AREG as an important neurotrophic factor and offers a promising therapeutic approach for peripheral nerve injuries.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tianchang Wang, Wentao Li, Yuxin Zhang, Xiang Xu, Lei Qiang, Weiqiang Miao, Xiaokun Yue, Xin Jiao, Xianhao Zhou, Zhenjiang Ma, Shuai Li, Muliang Ding, Junfeng Zhu, Chi Yang, Hui Wang, Tao Li, Xin Sun, Jinwu Wang
Summary: The cross-talk between nerves and bone is crucial for bone repair. Schwann cells play a vital role in regulating the microenvironment through exosomes. This study confirms that Schwann cell-derived exosomes promote bone regeneration by regulating the TGF-beta signaling pathway and improving the microenvironment by promoting innervation, vascularization, and osteogenesis. Engineered constructs that simulate the nerve-bone crosstalk were developed, providing a new strategy for bone repair.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marco Stazi, Samuele Negro, Aram Megighian, Giorgia D'Este, Michele Solimena, Ralf Jockers, Florigio Lista, Cesare Montecucco, Michela Rigoni
Summary: Melatonin, a hormone produced by various tissues, has been found to accelerate nerve repair by activating the MT1 receptor and sustaining the ERK1/2 pathway. This receptor-mediated, pro-regenerative action of melatonin suggests its potential as a safe candidate for treating peripheral neurodegenerative conditions.
JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Tawaun A. Lucas, Li Zhu, Marion S. Buckwalter
Summary: This study focuses on non-myelinating Schwann cells in the spleen, known as spleen glia, which play a role in neuroimmune communication in the spleen. These glial cells express receptors for neurotransmitters and cytokines, potentially participating in communication between nerves and immune cells. Spleen glia are transcriptionally unique compared to other glial types, with genes related to immune responses being differentially expressed.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Daochun Sun, Xuanhua P. Xie, Xiyuan Zhang, Zilai Wang, Sameer Farouk Sait, Swathi Iyer, Yu-Jung Chen, Rebecca Brown, Dan R. Laks, Mollie E. Chipman, Jack F. Shern, Luis F. Parada
Summary: NF1-associated MPNSTs originate from benign peripheral nerve neurofibromas and a rare stem-cell-like cell population within MPNSTs plays a crucial role in tumor initiation and relapse. By isolating and characterizing these cells, a cancer stem cell-specific gene expression signature has been identified, with potential therapeutic implications. Targeting cancer stem cells in combination with antimitotic chemotherapy shows promise in inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival, with implications for MPNST therapy development.
Review
Neurosciences
Klaus-Armin Nave, Hauke B. Werner
Summary: Myelination of axons is essential for rapid nerve conduction in vertebrates, with myelinating oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells playing additional roles in neuronal energy metabolism, similar to axon-ensheathing glial cells in invertebrates. Bidirectional axoglial interactions regulate cell fate and nerve conduction, and the evolution of compact myelin in vertebrates was a key step in adapting to new ecological niches.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF NEUROSCIENCE, VOL 44, 2021
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Frederic A. A. Vallejo, Anthony Diaz, Emily L. L. Errante, Taylor Smartz, Aisha Khan, Risset Silvera, Adriana E. E. Brooks, Yee-Shuan Lee, Stephen Shelby Burks, Allan D. D. Levi
Summary: This study systematically evaluated the therapeutic use of Schwann cells (SC) in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries. The results showed that SCs have clear potential in improving morphological and functional outcomes in animal studies of long gap peripheral nerve injuries. However, the optimal nerve conduit or graft for delivering and retaining SCs for nerve regeneration has yet to be determined.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kathleen K. Catignas, Luciana R. Frick, Marta Pellegatta, Edward Hurley, Zachary Kolb, Kathryn Addabbo, Joseph H. McCarty, Richard O. Hynes, Arjan van der Flier, Yannick Poitelon, Lawrence Wrabetz, Maria Laura Feltri
Summary: The study indicates that alpha(V)-containing integrins play a role in the interaction between Schwann cells and axons in the developing peripheral nervous system. However, animal experiments suggest that overlapping or compensatory mechanisms may mask the function of RGD-binding integrins in vivo in the absence of the alpha(V) subunit.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose A. Gomez-Sanchez, Nikiben Patel, Fernanda Martirena, Shaline Fazal, Clara Mutschler, Hugo Cabedo
Summary: The peripheral nervous system (PNS) has superior regenerative capacity compared to the central nervous system (CNS). This regenerative ability is attributed to the reprogramming of Schwann cells (SC) into repair Schwann cells, which support axonal growth, myelin degradation, neurotrophic factor secretion, and axonal growth guidance. Epigenetic regulations, particularly histone acetylation and deacetylation, play a crucial role in SC reprogramming and nerve regeneration. This review focuses on Zn2+-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) and their importance in repair SC biology and remyelination after PNS injury.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Corinne S. Smith, Jacob A. Orkwis, Andrew E. Bryan, Zhenyuan Xu, Greg M. Harris
Summary: This article reviews the recent advancements in biomaterials and cell stimulation strategies in the field of nerve regeneration, with a specific focus on the behavior of SCs in the microenvironment and functional repair. By promoting regenerative phenotypic responses, the regenerative capacity of multiple biomaterials can be enhanced, and innovative technologies for traumatic injury are proposed.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Oleg Kruglov, Kavita Vats, Vishal Soman, Vladimir A. Tyurin, Yulia Y. Tyurina, Jiefei Wang, Li'an Williams, Jiying Zhang, Cara Donahue Carey, Erik Jaklitsch, Uma R. Chandran, Huelya Bayir, Valerian E. Kagan, Yuri L. Bunimovich
Summary: Peripheral glia, specifically the Schwann cells, play a role in the formation of the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. However, there is a lack of understanding about how cancers reprogram SC functions in different organs of tumor-bearing mice. Using a mouse model, researchers were able to isolate and study the phenotypic and functional reprogramming of SCs in the skin adjacent to melanoma tumors. The results showed that these SCs exhibit a repair-like immunosuppressive state and dysregulated lipid oxidation, suggesting their involvement in modulating anti-tumor immune responses at the local and systemic levels.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Gonzalez, Miguel L. Allende
Summary: Wallerian degeneration is a genetically conserved mechanism where peripheral nervous system axons have a higher capacity to regenerate. The use of zebrafish larvae and time-lapse microscopy allows for monitoring of the regenerative process of peripheral nerves.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Kristjan R. Jessen, Rhona Mirsky
Summary: After nerve injury, both Schwann cells and neurons switch to pro-regenerative states. However, the poor functional repair cell phenotype is an important reason for the poor outcomes after nerve damage.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qi Dong, Xindi Yang, Xiao Liang, Jing Liu, Binyi Wang, Yanteng Zhao, Celine Huselstein, Xiaolin Feng, Zan Tong, Yun Chen
Summary: Peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery remain challenging in clinical practice. The utilization of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can regulate the regenerative microenvironment and promote peripheral nerve repair. A composite nerve conduit, GelMA/SA-3/PRP-20 NGCs, incorporating PRP into a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel, showed optimal mechanical properties and sustained release of growth factors (VEGF-A, PDGF-BB) from PRP, promoting axonal regeneration and functional recovery in peripheral nerves.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Sonia Taib, Noel Lamande, Sabrina Martin, Fanny Coulpier, Piotr Topilko, Isabelle Brunet
Summary: Peripheral nerves rely on blood vessel invasion to ensure their function, which occurs during both embryonic development and the post-natal period. Netrin-1 promotes nerve invasion by blood vessels via the endothelial receptor UNC5B during embryogenesis, while myelinated Schwann cells negatively regulate intra-nervous vascularization during the post-natal period.
Article
Neurosciences
Wenzhu Wang, Zihan Li, Yitong Yan, Shuo Wu, Xinyu Yao, Chen Gao, Lanxiang Liu, Yan Yu
Summary: This study investigated the reparative mechanisms of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and found that LIPUS promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, enhances neural electrical activity and neural plasticity, ultimately restoring neuronal function and cognitive capabilities in TBI mice.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Wenmin Yi, Fei Chen, Minghao Yuan, Chuanling Wang, Shengyuan Wang, Jie Wen, Qian Zou, Yinshuang Pu, Zhiyou Cai
Summary: The study suggests that a high-fat diet may lead to tau hyperphosphorylation and synaptic dysfunction by inhibiting the SIRT1/AMPK pathway and disrupting autophagy flux, ultimately resulting in cognitive decline.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Kim M. Hemsley, Helen Beard, Glyn Chidlow, Teresa Mammone, Leanne K. Winner, Daniel Neumann, Barbara King, Marten F. Snel, Paul J. Trim, Robert J. Casson
Summary: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive method that can be used to rapidly and quantitatively examine the integrity of the neuroretina. It has been shown that OCT can be used to observe retinal thinning in patients with childhood dementia, and to assess the improvement of retinal structure after treatment. Furthermore, OCT can provide insights into other childhood dementias based on the correlation between retinal and brain degeneration in Sanfilippo syndrome.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Qianling Jiang, Xin Ma, Gaochen Zhu, Wen Si, Lingyu He, Guan Yang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of EAE induction on thymopoiesis and T cell development, revealing changes such as increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation, and a blockade in the transition from double-negative thymocytes to double-positive cells. It was also found that positive selection was disrupted in the thymus of EAE mice, along with an increased production of regulatory T cells.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Alice McDouall, Guido Wassink, Sumudu Ranasinghe, Kelly Q. Zhou, Rashika N. Karunasinghe, Justin M. Dean, Joanne O. Davidson
Summary: This study found that blocking connexin 43 hemichannels can attenuate brain injury and promote neurodevelopment in infants with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, without causing hypothermia.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Hannah Sweetman, Mahmudur Rahman, Aditya Vedantam, Kajana Satkunendrarajah
Summary: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a neurological condition characterized by chronic compression of the cervical spinal cord, leading to impaired limb function. While respiratory dysfunction is not a common symptom of DCM, it can affect the ventilatory response to respiratory challenges. Surgical decompression improves sensorimotor function in DCM, but its impact on respiratory function is unclear. This study evaluates respiratory function and adaptive ventilation in a DCM model, showing that DCM impairs acute adaptive ventilatory ability and surgical decompression does not fully restore it.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Chengmei Sun, Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman, Budbazar Enkhjargal, Jianhua Peng, Keren Zhou, Zhiyi Xie, Lingyun Wu, Tongyu Zhang, Qiquan Zhu, Jiping Tang, Yujia Zeng, John H. Zhang, Shanshan Xu
Summary: This study found that Osteopontin (OPN) can attenuate inflammatory responses after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) by promoting an anti-inflammatory microglial state. This effect may be mediated through the integrin-FAK-STAT3 and NF-kappa B signaling pathways.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Yang Yang, Xuezhu Chen, Chuanyan Yang, Mei Liu, Qianying Huang, Likun Yang, Yuhai Wang, Hua Feng, Zhongyang Gao, Tunan Chen
Summary: The study explores the effects of specific chemogenetic stimulation of intact corticospinal tract on functional recovery after stroke in mice. The findings demonstrate that combining chemogenetic activation with rehabilitation training leads to significant motor functional recovery by promoting axon sprouting and rewiring new functional circuits.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2024)
