Browsing by Subject "NG2 glia"

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    In vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia enables adult neurogenesis and functional recovery following spinal cord injury
    (Cell Press, 2021) Tai, Wenjiao; Wu, Wei; Wang, Lei-Lei; Ni, Haoqi; Chen, Chunhai; Yang, Jianjing; Zang, Tong; Zou, Yuhua; Xu, Xiao-Ming; Zhang, Chun-Li; Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine
    Adult neurogenesis plays critical roles in maintaining brain homeostasis and responding to neurogenic insults. However, the adult mammalian spinal cord lacks an intrinsic capacity for neurogenesis. Here we show that spinal cord injury (SCI) unveils a latent neurogenic potential of NG2+ glial cells, which can be exploited to produce new neurons and promote functional recovery after SCI. Although endogenous SOX2 is required for SCI-induced transient reprogramming, ectopic SOX2 expression is necessary and sufficient to unleash the full neurogenic potential of NG2 glia. Ectopic SOX2-induced neurogenesis proceeds through an expandable ASCL1+ progenitor stage and generates excitatory and inhibitory propriospinal neurons, which make synaptic connections with ascending and descending spinal pathways. Importantly, SOX2-mediated reprogramming of NG2 glia reduces glial scarring and promotes functional recovery after SCI. These results reveal a latent neurogenic potential of somatic glial cells, which can be leveraged for regenerative medicine.
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    NG2 Glia Reprogramming Induces Robust Axonal Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury
    (bioRxiv, 2023-06-15) Tai, Wenjiao; Du, Xiaolong; Chen, Chen; Xu, Xiao-Ming; Zhang, Chun-Li; Wu, Wei; Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine
    Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to neuronal loss, axonal degeneration and behavioral dysfunction. We recently show that in vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia produces new neurons, reduces glial scaring, and ultimately leads to improved function after SCI. By examining endogenous neurons, we here unexpectedly uncover that NG2 glia reprogramming also induces robust axonal regeneration of the corticospinal tract and serotonergic neurons. Such reprogramming-induced axonal regeneration may contribute to the reconstruction of neural networks essential for behavioral recovery.