Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6019311 | Experimental Neurology | 2010 | 11 Pages |
Abstract
Schwann cell transplantation improves post-traumatic nerve regeneration in both PNS and CNS but sufficient numbers of immunocompatible cells are required for clinical application. Currently, Schwann cell-like cells derived from the bone marrow lack fate commitment and revert to a fibroblast-like phenotype upon withdrawal of differentiation-inducing factors. In recapitulation of embryonic events leading to Schwann cell maturation, we hypothesize that the Schwann cell-like cells acquire the switch to fate commitment through contact-dependant cues from incipient neurons of the developing dorsal root ganglia. To address this, Schwann cell-like cells derived from adult rat bone marrow were cocultured with neurons purified from embryonic dorsal root ganglia. A cell-intrinsic switch to the Schwann cell fate was achieved consistently and the cell progeny maintained expression of the markers S100β, p75NTR , GFAP, P0 and Sox 10 even without exogenous differentiation-inducing factors or neurons. In vitro formation of MBP-positive segments under myelinating conditions by the cell progeny was comparable to that by sciatic nerve-derived Schwann cells. Controls in which Schwann cell-like cells were barred from direct contact with neurons in coculture reverted to SMA/CD90-expressing myofibroblasts. We demonstrate therefore for the first time fate commitment among bone marrow-derived Schwann cells. The therapeutic potential of these cells may be tested in future transplantation studies. (206 words)
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Authors
Graham K.H. Shea, Alex Y.P. Tsui, Ying Shing Chan, Daisy K.Y. Shum,