Electrical modulation of transplanted stem cells improves functional recovery in a rodent model of stroke.
Byeongtaek OhSruthi SanthanamMatine M AzadianVishal SwaminathanAlex G LeeKelly W McConnellAlexa LevinsonShang SongJainith J PatelEmily E GardnerPaul M GeorgePublished in: Nature communications (2022)
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, intensifying the need for effective recovery therapies. Stem cells are a promising stroke therapeutic, but creating ideal conditions for treatment is essential. Here we developed a conductive polymer system for stem cell delivery and electrical modulation in animals. Using this system, electrical modulation of human stem cell transplants improve functional stroke recovery in rodents. Increased endogenous stem cell production corresponds with improved function. Transcriptome analysis identified stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) as one of the genes most significantly upregulated by electrical stimulation. Lentiviral upregulation and downregulation of STC2 in the transplanted stem cells demonstrate that this glycoprotein is an essential mediator in the functional improvements seen with electrical modulation. Moreover, intraventricular administration of recombinant STC2 post-stroke confers functional benefits. In summation, our conductive polymer system enables electrical modulation of stem cells as a potential method to improve recovery and identify important therapeutic targets.
Keyphrases
- stem cells
- atrial fibrillation
- cell therapy
- cell proliferation
- endothelial cells
- signaling pathway
- multiple sclerosis
- spinal cord injury
- genome wide
- cerebral ischemia
- poor prognosis
- transcription factor
- reduced graphene oxide
- climate change
- bone marrow
- long non coding rna
- human health
- pluripotent stem cells
- blood brain barrier
- combination therapy