Human induced pluripotent stem cell/embryonic stem cell-derived pyramidal neuronal precursors show safety and efficacy in a rat spinal cord injury model.

ABSTRACT: Nerve regeneration and circuit reconstruction remain a challenge following spinal cord injury (SCI). Corticospinal pyramidal neurons possess strong axon projection ability. In this study, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were differentiated into pyramidal neuronal precursors (PNPs) by addition of small molecule dorsomorphin into the culture. iPSC-derived PNPs were transplanted acutely into a rat contusion SCI model on the same day of injury. Following engraftment, the SCI rats showed significantly improved motor functions compared with vehicle control group as revealed by behavioral tests. Eight weeks following engraftment, the PNPs matured into corticospinal pyramidal neurons and extended axons into distant host spinal cord tissues, mostly in a caudal direction. Host neurons r

SUBMITTER: Li M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11335242 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature