Combination of biomaterial transplantation and genetic enhancement of intrinsic growth capacities to promote CNS axon regeneration after spinal cord injury.
10.1007/s11684-018-0642-z
- Author:
Bin YU
1
;
Xiaosong GU
2
Author Information
1. Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
2. Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China. nervegu@ntu.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
biomaterial;
extrinsic barrier;
intrinsic regeneration capacity;
spinal cord injury
- MeSH:
Animals;
Axons;
physiology;
Biocompatible Materials;
Genetic Enhancement;
methods;
Humans;
Nerve Regeneration;
PTEN Phosphohydrolase;
metabolism;
Recovery of Function;
Spinal Cord Injuries;
physiopathology;
Tissue Engineering;
methods;
Tissue Scaffolds
- From:
Frontiers of Medicine
2019;13(2):131-137
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The inhibitory environment that surrounds the lesion site and the lack of intrinsic regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) impede the regrowth of injured axons and thereby the reestablishment of neural circuits required for functional recovery after spinal cord injuries (SCI). To circumvent these barriers, biomaterial scaffolds are applied to bridge the lesion gaps for the regrowing axons to follow, and, often by combining stem cell transplantation, to enable the local environment in the growth-supportive direction. Manipulations, such as the modulation of PTEN/mTOR pathways, can also enhance intrinsic CNS axon regrowth after injury. Given the complex pathophysiology of SCI, combining biomaterial scaffolds and genetic manipulation may provide synergistic effects and promote maximal axonal regrowth. Future directions will primarily focus on the translatability of these approaches and promote therapeutic avenues toward the functional rehabilitation of patients with SCIs.
