Turning scar-forming cells into neurons helps restore movement after spinal cord injury
What if cells that form scars after a spinal cord injury could become part of the repair process? Researchers have developed a genetic system that converts certain scar-forming cells into neurons, improving movement in mice and rats with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers have developed a genetic system called TRANsCre-DIONE that converts certain scar-forming cells into neurons after a spinal cord injury, potentially improving movement. Spinal cord injuries damage neurons that transmit signals between the brain and the body, often leading to lasting loss of movement and sensation. After injury, reactive astrocytes form a glial scar around the damaged tissue, which can protect nearby tissue but may also hinder nerve repair.
The challenge is to target cells that could be repurposed without affecting essential or protective astrocytes. The TRANsCre-DIONE system uses a two-part molecular switch to selectively convert reactive astrocytes into neurons. In mice and rats, the system improved movement, with treated animals reaching an average score of 3.88 on a nine-point locomotor scale, compared to below 1 in control groups.
The newly generated neurons played an active role in the recovery, as their temporary suppression led to a loss of motor function. The research suggests that TRANsCre-DIONE may help rebuild neural circuits and promote neural regeneration, potentially offering new treatments for spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders.
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