Structure-Inspired Lineage-Specific Matrix for Endogenous Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) poses substantial challenges, often leading to permanent disability and requiring adequate neuronal regeneration for functional repair. Decellularized spinal cord (DSC) matrices hold promise due to their native 3-dimensional (3D) structure and extracellular matrix (ECM)-deri...

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Main Authors: Bo Wu, Xuejiao Lei, Xufang Ru, Jiangling Zhou, Hao Liu, Yibo Gan, Yan Wang, Wenyan Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2025-01-01
Series:Research
Online Access:https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/research.0821
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author Bo Wu
Xuejiao Lei
Xufang Ru
Jiangling Zhou
Hao Liu
Yibo Gan
Yan Wang
Wenyan Li
author_facet Bo Wu
Xuejiao Lei
Xufang Ru
Jiangling Zhou
Hao Liu
Yibo Gan
Yan Wang
Wenyan Li
author_sort Bo Wu
collection DOAJ
description Spinal cord injury (SCI) poses substantial challenges, often leading to permanent disability and requiring adequate neuronal regeneration for functional repair. Decellularized spinal cord (DSC) matrices hold promise due to their native 3-dimensional (3D) structure and extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived biochemical components. However, their limited mechanical properties and insufficient availability of growth factors hinder their effectiveness. To address these limitations, this study introduces a core–shell design that reinforces DSC with a hydrogel-based matrix capable of delivering essential growth factors while preserving its natural structure. By leveraging 3D printing and electrostatic adsorption, the engineered matrix retains the topological features of DSC while introducing new topographical and neurogenic cues. These instructive cues facilitated an 11-fold increase in the number of newly generated neuronal cells, demonstrating lineage-specific neuronal regeneration in vivo. Mechanistically, the synergistic effects of ECM-inspired structure and biochemical cues activated the ITGA2/ITGA11–ERK/AKT signaling axis and promoted M2 macrophage/microglia polarization, thereby reducing cavity and scar formation. This optimized microenvironment enhanced endogenous neurogenesis and supported functional recovery after SCI. Overall, this study developed a structure-inspired lineage-specific matrix that effectively stimulates endogenous neuronal regeneration, highlighting its potential for advancing spinal cord repair strategies.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2639-5274
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publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
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spelling doaj-art-a7e31e4985be4e1095f7e4132a84ad982025-08-20T04:00:32ZengAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)Research2639-52742025-01-01810.34133/research.0821Structure-Inspired Lineage-Specific Matrix for Endogenous Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord InjuryBo Wu0Xuejiao Lei1Xufang Ru2Jiangling Zhou3Hao Liu4Yibo Gan5Yan Wang6Wenyan Li7School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.Department of Orthopaedics, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China.Department of Spine Surgery, Center of Orthopedics, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China.School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China.Spinal cord injury (SCI) poses substantial challenges, often leading to permanent disability and requiring adequate neuronal regeneration for functional repair. Decellularized spinal cord (DSC) matrices hold promise due to their native 3-dimensional (3D) structure and extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived biochemical components. However, their limited mechanical properties and insufficient availability of growth factors hinder their effectiveness. To address these limitations, this study introduces a core–shell design that reinforces DSC with a hydrogel-based matrix capable of delivering essential growth factors while preserving its natural structure. By leveraging 3D printing and electrostatic adsorption, the engineered matrix retains the topological features of DSC while introducing new topographical and neurogenic cues. These instructive cues facilitated an 11-fold increase in the number of newly generated neuronal cells, demonstrating lineage-specific neuronal regeneration in vivo. Mechanistically, the synergistic effects of ECM-inspired structure and biochemical cues activated the ITGA2/ITGA11–ERK/AKT signaling axis and promoted M2 macrophage/microglia polarization, thereby reducing cavity and scar formation. This optimized microenvironment enhanced endogenous neurogenesis and supported functional recovery after SCI. Overall, this study developed a structure-inspired lineage-specific matrix that effectively stimulates endogenous neuronal regeneration, highlighting its potential for advancing spinal cord repair strategies.https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/research.0821
spellingShingle Bo Wu
Xuejiao Lei
Xufang Ru
Jiangling Zhou
Hao Liu
Yibo Gan
Yan Wang
Wenyan Li
Structure-Inspired Lineage-Specific Matrix for Endogenous Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury
Research
title Structure-Inspired Lineage-Specific Matrix for Endogenous Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury
title_full Structure-Inspired Lineage-Specific Matrix for Endogenous Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury
title_fullStr Structure-Inspired Lineage-Specific Matrix for Endogenous Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury
title_full_unstemmed Structure-Inspired Lineage-Specific Matrix for Endogenous Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury
title_short Structure-Inspired Lineage-Specific Matrix for Endogenous Neurogenesis in Spinal Cord Injury
title_sort structure inspired lineage specific matrix for endogenous neurogenesis in spinal cord injury
url https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/research.0821
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