Inhibiting Scar Development for Promoting Stem Cell Engraftment in Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries.

2016 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K21360
• Research Institution: Keio University
• Principal Investigator: ルノー三原 フランソワ 慶應義塾大学, 医学部(信濃町), 特任講師 (20570427)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: spinal cord injury / glial scar / gene regulation

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Aim#1: Effect of molecule X regarding GAG biosynthesis after spinal cord injury. 1-1: Gene expression analysis in the injured spinal cords in control vs X-treated group at 7 days post-injury: RNA sample and protein lysates have been prepared and will be analyzed soon. 1-2: Extent and amount of the glial and fibrotic scars at 12 dpi: samples have been prepared and the analysis is on ongoing (immunohistostaining, western blot and dot-blot). The first results support our working hypothesis: treatment by the reagent X induces a reduction in several components of the glial scar (to be confirmed). Aim#2-1: Effect of the molecule X regarding engraftment in chronic phase. Our work of optimization on both clearing and tracing techniques allows now the 3D visualization of grafted cells in situ and the study of their potential relationship with the host cells, specially neurons. The high-resolution lighsheet microscope necessary for such studies will be available on summer 2017 in our university. Aim#3: we have identified a molecular signature of pathologic scars that will allow in vivo screening for key genes/pathways involved in glial and fibrotic scar formation. Our plan is to test multiple reagents and use them for deciphering the required signaling core for scarring.

Current Status of Research Progress

4: Progress in research has been delayed.

Reason

The revision experiments of a previous study focusing on the mechanisms whereby STAT3 controls glial scar formation have been very demanding. The manuscript is now re-submitted.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Aim#1: It is very important to obtain solid data before to start Aim#2. We will perform microarray analyses and will try to define the best time window for potential intervention.

Aim#3: we will use the molecular signature of pathologic scars to screen for the key genes/pathway involved and eventually try to target them in vivo if tools are available.

Causes of Carryover

The different aims that are detailed in the previous sections require numerous expensive research material, including several microarray plates (Aim#1 and Aim#3), various antibodies and potential external services (for GAG analysis by HPLC). Noteworthy, the molecule X is relatively expensive and represents itself a significant budget within Aim#1 (and potentially Aim#2).

Expenditure Plan for Carryover Budget

microarray analyses plates, antibodies, various reagents (tracers...)