Review of transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells for spinal cord injury.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition often resulting in paralysis, yet currently there is no effective treatment. Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for promoting tissue repair after SCI. Stem cells offer a renewable source of cells with inherent plasticity for tissue regeneration. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are multipotent cells that self-renew and are committed to the neural lineage, and thus, they are especially suited to SCI repair. NSPCs may differentiate into neural cells after transplantation into the injured spinal cord, replacing lost or damaged cells, providing trophic support, restoring connectivity, and facilitating regeneration. Here, we review experimental studies and considerations for clinical translation of NSPC transplantation for SCI.
Krembil Neuroscience Centre, Toronto Western Research Institute and Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network and University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8. Electronic address: amothe@uhnres.utoronto.ca.
Andrea J
AJ
Mothe
Charles H
CH
Tator
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D058953:Neural Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000601:surgery*
Neural stem cells; Spinal cord injury; Transplantation