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)
Review
Neurosciences
Jennifer Patritti-Cram, Robert. A. Coover, Michael P. Jankowski, Nancy Ratner
Summary: Purinergic receptor activation plays a crucial role in peripheral nerve development and disease, regulating SC proliferation and differentiation, as well as the development of nerve tumors and neuropathies.
Article
Neurosciences
Filipa Boucanova, Gill Pollmeier, Katalin Sandor, Carlos Morado Urbina, Jik Nijssen, Jean-Jacques Medard, Luca Bartesaghi, Luc Pellerin, Camilla Svensson, Eva Hedlund, Roman Chrast
Summary: Recent studies have shown that MCT1 in Schwann cells is necessary for maintaining the integrity of motor end-plates, while MCT4 appears largely dispensable for supporting motor neurons. Structural alterations and transcriptional changes in lumbar motor neurons from MCT1 cKO mice provide further insight into the biology of axon-glia metabolic crosstalk.
Review
Neurosciences
Qian Wang, Fang-Yu Chen, Zhuo-Min Ling, Wen-Feng Su, Ya-Yu Zhao, Gang Chen, Zhong-Ya Wei
Summary: Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological issue with limited treatment options. Schwann cell transplantation plays a crucial role in resolving peripheral neuropathy, and stem cells have the potential to differentiate into Schwann-like cells. These studies provide insights into cell therapy and uncover prospective therapeutic strategies for peripheral neuropathy.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mi Shen, Zixin Chen, Mengru Ming, Zhenghui Cheng, Junjie Sun, Qingyun Liang, Tongxin Shang, Qi Zhang, Songlin Zhou, Yuhua Ji, Fei Ding
Summary: Lysine acetylation is a reversible modification that plays a role in modulating the biology of Schwann cells (SCs) and regeneration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This study characterized the acetylome of the mouse sciatic nerve (SN) and identified acetylated proteins mainly located in the myelin sheath, mitochondrial inner membrane, and cytoskeleton. The results provide valuable insights into the role and mechanism of protein acetylation in SC development and PNS regeneration.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liyan Zhang, Yuan Fang, Fangzhi Tan, Fangfang Guo, Ziyu Zhang, Nianci Li, Qiuhan Sun, Jieyu Qi, Renjie Chai
Summary: This study reveals the essential role of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Net1 in trans-differentiation of supporting cells (SCs) into hair cells (HCs). Overexpression of Net1 promotes cochlear organoid formation and HC differentiation. It also enhances SC proliferation and HC regeneration. These findings suggest that Net1 may serve as a potential target for HC regeneration and AAV-mediated gene regulation may be a promising approach for stem cell-based therapy in hearing restoration.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Christopher Chan, Kathryn K. Harris, Sergei Zolotukhin, Geoffrey D. Keeler
Summary: Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are effective gene therapies for various diseases, but they often lead to liver transduction. This study focuses on the design of liver-de-targeted rAAV vectors to reduce liver transduction and improve targeted therapy.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Andres Fuentes-Flores, Cristian Geronimo-Olvera, Karina Girardi, David Necunir-Ibarra, Sandip Kumar Patel, Joanna Bons, Megan C. Wright, Daniel Geschwind, Ahmet Hoke, Jose A. Gomez-Sanchez, Birgit Schilling, Daniela L. Rebolledo, Judith Campisi, Felipe A. Court
Summary: Reparative Schwann cells transition into a senescent phenotype in aging and chronic denervation, leading to inhibition of axonal regeneration. Elimination of senescent cells improves nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Tian-Kun Hui, Xin-Sheng Lai, Xia Dong, Hongyang Jing, Ziyang Liu, Erkang Fei, Wen-Bing Chen, Shunqi Wang, Dongyan Ren, Suqi Zou, Hai-Tao Wu, Bing-Xing Pan
Summary: Schwann cells play a crucial role in peripheral nerve regeneration, while the conditional knockout of Lrp4 in SCs contributes to enhanced nerve regeneration by promoting SC proliferation and myelin debris clearance. These results suggest a novel role for Lrp4 in peripheral nerve recovery and provide a potential therapeutic target.
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
Cell Biology
Meng-Ju Lin, Chia-Ming Lee, Wei-Lin Hsu, Bi-Chang Chen, Shyh-Jye Lee
Summary: Macrophages may physically alleviate nerve inhibition and promote regeneration and development in the zebrafish lateral line.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carina Hromada, Jaana Hartmann, Johannes Oesterreicher, Anton Stoiber, Anna Daerr, Barbara Schaedl, Eleni Priglinger, Andreas H. Teuschl-Woller, Wolfgang Holnthoner, Johannes Heinzel, David Hercher
Summary: This study reveals increased lymphangiogenesis after peripheral nerve injury and repair. The findings suggest that Schwann cells may have an inhibitory effect on lymphatic vessel formation.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lin-Lin Luo, Jie Xu, Bing-Qiao Wang, Chen Chen, Xi Chen, Qiu-Mei Hu, Yu-Qiu Wang, Wan-Yun Zhang, Wan-Xiang Jiang, Xin-Ting Li, Hu Zhou, Xiao Xiao, Kai Zhao, Sen Lin
Summary: A novel AAV serotype, AAVYC5, introduced in this study, showed more efficient transduction into multiple retinal layers compared to AAV2, and enabled successful delivery of anti-angiogenic molecules in mice and non-human primates.
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)
Review
Cell Biology
Shaza S. Issa, Alisa A. Shaimardanova, Valeriya V. Solovyeva, Albert A. Rizvanov
Summary: Despite the advancements in gene and cell therapy, some diseases still lack effective treatment. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have enabled the development of effective gene therapy methods for various diseases. Numerous AAV-based gene therapy medications are undergoing trials and entering the market. This article provides a review of AAV discovery, properties, serotypes, tropism, and their applications in gene therapy for different diseases of organs and systems.
Article
Cell Biology
Nuria Nieto-Nicolau, Patricia Lopez-Chicon, Carlos Torrico, Sara Bolivar, Estefania Contreras-Carreton, Esther Udina, Xavier Navarro, Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano, Oscar Farinas, Anna Vilarrodona
Summary: This study focused on the preservation of decellularized human nerves for tissue scaffold production, and successfully maintained nerve structure, ECM composition, and biomechanical properties before and after freezing.
BIOPRESERVATION AND BIOBANKING
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Judith Sanchez-Ventura, Michael A. Lane, Esther Udina
Summary: This review summarizes the current knowledge of spinal perineuronal nets (PNNs) and their potential role in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). It highlights interventions that target the extracellular matrix, including the glial scar and spinal PNNs, to promote regeneration and stabilization of the spinal circuits.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Estefania Contreras, Sara Bolivar, Xavier Navarro, Esther Udina
Summary: Neurons in the peripheral nervous system have the ability to regenerate their axons after injury by triggering a complex activation response. Schwann cells (SCs) play an active role in regulating axonal programs and orchestrating Wallerian degeneration and axonal regeneration through both cell-to-cell contacts and secreted signals. The secretome, which includes proteins, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles, facilitates communication and is essential for axonal regeneration. The use of secretome has emerged as a promising alternative to cell therapy, reducing the risks associated with cell use. In this review, the roles of SC and macrophage secretomes in peripheral nerve injury are discussed, along with the use of secretomes in experimental models to enhance nerve regeneration.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Immunology
Judith Sanchez-Ventura, Jesus Amo-Aparicio, Xavier Navarro, Clara Penas
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Giacomo Valle, Giovanna Aiello, Federico Ciotti, Paul Cvancara, Tamara Martinovic, Tamara Kravic, Xavier Navarro, Thomas Stieglitz, Marko Bumbasirevic, Stanisa Raspopovic
Summary: Bioelectronic medicine shows promise in treating disabilities through implantable neural interfaces. However, the long-term stability of implants and nerve reactions remains unclear. Research has found that neurostimulation can evoke different sensations over time, emphasizing the importance of improving nerve-electrode interface design.
Correction
Cell Biology
Estefania Contreras, Sara Bolivar, Nuria Nieto-Nicolau, Oscar Farinas, Patricia Lopez-Chicon, Xavier Navarro, Esther Udina
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
J. Sanchez-Ventura, C. Canal, J. Hidalgo, C. Penas, X. Navarro, A. Torres-Espin, K. Fouad, E. Udina
Summary: This study aims to elucidate the role of spinal PNNs on motor function and plasticity. Lack of Crtl1 can lead to disorganized PNNs, altering excitatory synapses and affecting the physiological properties of motoneurons, resulting in motor impairments.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Estefania Contreras, Sara Traserra, Sara Bolivar, Joaquim Fores, Eduard Jose-Cunilleras, Ignacio Delgado-Martinez, Felix Garcia, Esther Udina, Xavier Navarro
Summary: This study used sheep as a model to investigate the repair of long-gap peripheral nerve injuries through autograft transplantation. Functional evaluation, electromyographic and ultrasound tests were performed. The results suggest that sheep nerve repair is a useful model for studying such injuries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joan Roig-Soriano, Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego, Jon Esandi-Jauregui, Sergi Verdes, Carmela R. Abraham, Assumpcio Bosch, Francesc Ventura, Miguel Chillon
Summary: The gene alpha-Klotho produces two main transcripts, one encoding a transmembrane protein detected in serum as processed Klotho (p-KL), and the other coding for a putatively secreted protein (s-KL). While p-KL showed negative effects on mineral homeostasis and bone microstructure, s-KL demonstrated no apparent negative effects on mineral metabolism and presented unexpected beneficial effects on bone microstructure. These findings suggest that s-KL (but not p-KL) may be a safe therapeutic strategy for exploiting KL anti-aging protective effects.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ariadna Arbat-Plana, Sara Bolivar, Xavier Navarro, Esther Udina, Francisco J. Alvarez
Summary: Peripheral nerve injuries result in the retraction of Ia synapses from a-motoneurons, impairing functional recovery and correlating with injury severity and muscle reinnervation efficiency. This study analyzed VGluT1-labeled Ia synapses after nerve crush in 10-day-old rats and found a large loss of synapses similar to more severe injuries in adults. The mechanism of synapse loss in young animals may be associated with higher microglia synaptic pruning activity and results in greater losses after milder nerve injuries.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Simone Romeni, Elena Losanno, Elisabeth Koert, Luca Pierantoni, Ignacio Delgado-Martinez, Xavier Navarro, Silvestro Micera
Summary: Peripheral nerve interfaces have the potential to restore sensory, motor, and visceral functions. We propose an optimization workflow that can guide pre-surgical planning and determine maximally selective multisite stimulation protocols for intraneural implants. Our method utilizes hybrid models and machine learning to optimize implant geometry, insertion, and stimulation protocols, leading to high selectivity and potential for motor function restoration.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eugenio Redolfi-Riva, Miriam Perez-Izquierdo, Ciro Zinno, Estefania Contreras, Bruno Rodriguez-Meana, Federica Iberite, Leonardo Ricotti, Silvestro Micera, Xavier Navarro
Summary: This study introduces a novel design of nerve conduit composed of a chitosan porous matrix and a 3D-printed poly-& epsilon;-caprolactone mesh. The conduits show high controllability and can support nerve regeneration, enabling the repair of long nerve defects. Animal experiments demonstrate muscle functional recovery and abundant cellularization and axon regeneration within the conduits, suggesting their potential to overcome the limitations of autograft for repairing long nerve gaps.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sergi Verdes, Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa, Ruben Guerrero-Yague, Joan Roig-Soriano, Nuria Gaja-Capdevila, Marc Leal-Julia, Andrea Onieva, Laura Rodriguez-Estevez, Javier Del Rey, Neus Hernandez, Miguel Chillon, Xavier Navarro, Assumpcio Bosch