HPSC-derived sacral neural crest cells restore erectile function in pelvic ganglia injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pelvic surgeries frequently injure the pelvic autonomic plexus, represented in rats by the major pelvic ganglia (MPG), resulting in refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) with limited therapeutic options. Sacral neural crest (NC) cells, the embryonic progenitors of MPG neurons and glial cells, offer a developmentally matched cell source for targeted neural repair.

Methods

We developed a stable and expandable sacral NC cell population derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and transplanted these cells into a rat model of MPG crush injury to assess engraftment efficacy and functional outcomes.

Results

Transplantation of sacral NC cells resulted in robust engraftment and significant erectile functional recovery, as evidenced by elevated intracavernosa

SUBMITTER: Yang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12574202 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature