Neural Stem Cell Plasticity: Advantages in Therapy for the Injured Central Nervous System

Abstract

The physiological and pathological properties of the neural germinal stem cell niche have been well-studied in the past 30 years, mainly in animals and within given limits in humans, and knowledge is available for the cyto-architectonic structure, the cellular components, the timing of development and the energetic maintenance of the niche, as well as for the therapeutic potential and the cross talk between neural and immune cells. In recent years we have gained detailed understanding of the potentiality of neural stem cells (NSCs), although we are only beginning to understand their molecular, metabolic, and epigenetic profile in physiopathology and, further, more can be invested to measure quantitatively the activity of those cells, to model in vitro their therapeutic responses or to predict interactions in silico. Information in this direction has been put forward for other organs but is still limited in the complex and very less accessible context of the brain. A comprehensive understanding of the behavior of endogenous NSCs will help to tune or model them toward a desired response in order to treat complex neurodegenerative diseases. NSCs have the ability to modulate multiple cellular functions and exploiting their plasticity might make them into potent and versatile cellular drugs.

Intra-arterial transplantation of neural stem cells improve functional recovery after transient ischemic stroke in adult rats

“…Stem cells are very useful to reduce the complications of this disease. Studies showed that neural stem cells (NSCs) had a high potential for treatment of central nervous system disorders, such as cerebral ischemia (2). Methods of stem cells transplantation to the damaged tissue include intracerebral, intravenous and intra-arterial transplantation.…”

Defining the adult hippocampal neural stem cell secretome: in vivo versus in vitro transcriptomic differences and their correlation to secreted protein levels

“…Though the disconnect between in vitro and in vivo gene expression may at first suggest that only in vivo studies should be pursued, such a focused approach does not faithfully represent all biologically and therapeutically relevant stem cell sources. Current clinical trials use cultured neural stem cell lines while preclinical models use NSPCs with varying amounts of in vitro processing (Mazzini et al 2019;Ottoboni, Merlini, and Martino 2017;Mendes-Pinheiro et al 2018;Chandanala et al 2014). Thus, analysis of both cultured and acutely isolated stem cells is critical for the development of effective NSPC-based therapies.…”

On the Viability and Potential Value of Stem Cells for Repair and Treatment of Central Neurotrauma: Overview and Speculations

“…Specifically, it was observed that these cells were able to extend multiple axons over long distances, and form synapses with host neurons ( 112 , 264 ). Research suggests that endogenous NSCs and the immune system share secreted mediators (chemokines, cytokines) and receptors relevant both to inflammation and the maintenance, structure, and function of endogenous neural stem cell niches in the brain ( 165 , 166 , 265 ). Transplanted exogenous NSCs may modulate local immune responses and secrete growth factors that are conducive to neuronal growth ( 132 , 133 ).…”