Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects millions of individuals worldwide. Currently, there is no cure, and treatment options to promote neural recovery are limited. An innovative approach to improve outcomes following SCI involves the recruitment of endogenous populations of neural stem cells (NSCs). NSCs can be isolated from the neuroaxis of the central nervous system (CNS), with brain and spinal cord populations sharing common characteristics (as well as regionally distinct phenotypes). Within the spinal cord, a number of NSC sub-populations have been identified which display unique protein expression profiles and proliferation kinetics. Collectively, the potential for NSCs to impact regenerative medicine strategies hinges on their cardinal properties, including self-renewal and multipotency (the ability to generate de novo neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes). Accordingly, endogenous NSCs could be harnessed to replace lost cells and promote structural repair following SCI. While studies exploring the efficacy of this approach continue to suggest its potential, many questions remain including those related to heterogeneity within the NSC pool, the interaction of NSCs with their environment, and the identification of factors that can enhance their response. We discuss the current state of knowledge regarding populations of endogenous spinal cord NSCs, their niche, and the factors that regulate their behavior. In an attempt to move towards the goal of enhancing neural repair, we highlight approaches that promote NSC activation following injury including the modulation of the microenvironment and parenchymal cells, pharmaceuticals, and applied electrical stimulation.
Highlights
Spinal Cord Injury Spinal cord injury (SCI) in mammals is a debilitating condition which leads to a spectrum of sensory and motor deficits
The inherent capacity for neural stem cells (NSCs) activation in mammals is promising in terms of harnessing the potential of NSCs for repair of the injured spinal cord
We propose that a comprehensive understanding of resident NSCs characteristics, their lineage relationship, and the factors that regulate their behavior will enhance our ability to unlock the regenerative potential of the mammalian spinal cord
Summary
NSCs are rare, slowly dividing cells found along the entire neuraxis of the developing and mature CNS [44–48] and demonstrate two key stem cell properties: self-renewal and multipotentiality. This aneurogenic phenotype is related to the microenvironment within the spinal cord This was eloquently shown with cell transplant experiments where spinal cord derived NPCs gave rise to neurons following injection into the hippocampus, a neurogenic region of the adult forebrain [53]. These findings reveal the multipotency of spinal cord NSCs that is masked in the spinal cord milieu [54,55]. The aneurogenic phenotype of spinal cord NSCs is seen following SCI, where activated NSCs exclusively generate gliogenic progeny, producing mostly astrocytes, which are found at the site of injury [30,56]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
