Regulation of extracellular matrix promotes endogenous neural regeneration after cerebral infarction

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K15372
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 51030:Pathophysiologic neuroscience-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya City University
• Principal Investigator: Fujioka Teppei 名古屋市立大学, 医薬学総合研究院(医学), 助教 (50805885)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 内在性神経再生 / バイオマテリアル / Nカドヘリン / 脳梗塞 / 細胞接着分子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

After cerebral infarction, neuroblasts generated in a neurogenic nitch, the ventricular-subventricular zone, migrate toward the infarcted area, where they differentiate into mature neurons. The promotion of this intrinsic neuronal regeneration process could provide a new therapeutic approach for cerebral infarction.
We focused on N-cadherin, a cell adhesion molecule, and developed a special biomaterial that incorporates the extracellular region of N-cadherin. We injected it into the brain of a mouse brain injury model, and the number of neuroblasts around the injury area increased. It has been shown that recovery of motor function can be promoted. These findings indicate the possibility of cerebral infarction treatment through N-cadherin regulation.

Free Research Field

神経再生

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究はNカドヘリンが脳傷害後の新生ニューロンの移動に重要な役割を担っていることを明らかにし、さらにバイオマテリアル技術と組み合わせ、マウス脳傷害モデルにおいて、神経再生が促進されうることを明らかにした。これは脳梗塞治療において新たな再生治療の分子機序的基盤となる知見であり、将来的な臨床応用も目指しうるものと期待している。