Stem Cells Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stem Cells, including details on research, transplants, therapy, benefits.

Neural stem cells LewisX+ CXCR4+ modify disease progression in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model.

Corti S, Locatelli F, Papadimitriou D, Del Bo R, Nizzardo M, Nardini M, Donadoni C, Salani S, Fortunato F, Strazzer S, Bresolin N, Comi GP

Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Milan, IRCCS Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli and Regina Elena, Milan, Italy.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease characterized by the degeneration of the motor neurons. We tested whether treatment of superoxide dismutase (SOD1)-G93A transgenic mouse, a model of ALS, with a neural stem cell subpopulation double positive for Lewis X and the chemokine receptor CXCR4 (LeX+CXCR4+) can modify the disease's progression. In vitro, after exposure to morphogenetic stimuli, LeX+CXCR4+ cells generate cholinergic motor neuron-like cells upon differentiation. LeX+CXCR4+ cells deriving from mice expressing Green Fluorescent Protein in all tissues or only in motor neurons, after a period of priming in vitro, were grafted into spinal cord of SOD1-G93A mice. Transplanted transgenic mice exhibited a delayed disease onset and progression, and survived significantly longer than non-treated animals by 23 days. Examination of the spinal cord revealed integration of donor-derived cells that differentiated mostly in neurons and in a lower proportion in motor neuron-like cells. Quantification of motor neurons of the spinal cord suggests a significant neuroprotection by LeX+CXCR4+ cells. Both VEGF- and IGF1-dependent pathways were significantly modulated in transplanted animals compared to controls, suggesting a role of these neurotrophins in MN protection. Our results support the therapeutic potential of neural stem cell fractions through both neurogenesis and growth factors release in motor neuron disorders.

Published 2 May 2007 in Brain, 130: 1289-305.
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