Development of a new treatment for paralysis targeting peripheral nerves by xenotransplantation

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K22496
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0403:Biomedical engineering and related fields
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Saeki Sota 名古屋大学, 医学系研究科, 特任助教 (30878327)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-09-11 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 末梢神経 / 再生医療 / 異種移植 / 神経幹細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to develop a new paralysis treatment technique by xenotransplantation of neural stem cells derived from pig fetuses into peripheral nerves. A denervation model was created in nude rats, and neural stem cells derived from fetal pigs were transplanted into the nerve stump. Histological and electrophysiological evaluations were performed 3 months after transplantation. Xenotransplantation of porcine fetal neural stem cells demonstrated functional reconstruction of denervated muscles. By combining this technology with medical engineering, the company aims to develop new treatments for paralysis.

Free Research Field

再生医療

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脊髄損傷や神経変性疾患による下位運動ニューロン障害に対する有効な治療法はいまだに在しない。特にALSや脊髄損傷による呼吸筋麻痺は命にかかわる喫緊の課題である。申請者はブタ胎児由来の神経幹細胞を末梢神経へ移植することで、脱神経筋の機能再建が可能であることを示した。今後この異種移植技術と、Brain-Computer Interface等の医療工学を組み合わせることで、治療法のない難治性麻痺に対する新たな治療法の開発を目指す。