Enhancing Survival, Neuronal Differentiation, and Integration of Transplanted NSPCs for Treating SCI

Monday, October 14, 2024

1:00 PM-3:00 PM

BIOMED PhD Research Proposal

Title:
Enhancing Survival, Neuronal Differentiation, and Integration of Transplanted Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells (NSPCs) for Treating Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Speaker:
Nan Hai, PhD Candidate
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University

Advisor:
Yinghui Zhong, PhD
Associate Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University

Details:
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) causes partial or complete functional loss below the injury site. Patients with SCI suffer lifelong disability and require continuous physical and medical care. SCI causes neuronal loss and axon degeneration, which disrupts the neural circuitry that controls the functions of spinal cord. In the central nervous system (CNS), neurons usually cannot renew themselves to replace the lost neuron population, and achieving long-distance axon regeneration from the remaining neurons is extremely difficult.

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy to replace lost neurons and establish neuronal relays, facilitating the reconstruction of damaged neural circuitry. However, the formation of astroglial-fibrotic scars impedes axon growth and integration of NSPC grafts into the host tissue. Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the progression of cell death and tissue damage after SCI. In this study, we aim to reduce scar formation and promote NSPC survival, neuronal differentiation, and graft-host integration after SCI.

Contact Information

Natalia Broz
njb33@drexel.edu