Induction of regenerative microenvironment around spinal motor neurons by exogenous factors

2011 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21591070
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Neurology
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: AOKI Masashi 東北大学, 大学院・医学系研究科, 教授 (70302148)
• Project Period (FY): 2009 – 2011
• Keywords: 筋萎縮性側索硬化症 / 脳神経疾患 / 再生医学

Research Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective loss of motor neurons. As compared with vehicle-treated ALS rats, a sequential intrathecal infusion of FGF-2 and EGF followed by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)resulted in increased neuroblastic cells in the spinal cord of ALS rats, even after the onset of motor neuron disease. It was accompanied by significant suppression of gliogenesis and deposition of chondroitin sulfate. Moreover, angiogenic factors such as FGF-2 and HGF revealed significant neuroprotective effects in ALS rats. Therefore, motor neuron-surrounding microenvironment may be a potential therapeutic target in the future development of regenerative therapy for ALS.

Research Products

• [Journal Article] Feasibility study for functional test battery of SOD transgenic rat (H46R)and evaluation of edaravone, a free radical scavenger. (2011)
  • Author(s): Aoki M, Warita H, Mizuno H, Suzuki N, Yuki S, Itoyama Y.
  • Journal Title: Brain Res Volume: 1382 Pages: 321-325
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] ALS with FUS mutation in Japan, with early onset, rapid progress and basophilic inclusion. (2010)
  • Author(s): Suzuki N, Aoki M, Warita H, Kato M, MizunoH, Shimakura N, Akiyama T, Furuya H, Hokonohara T, Iwaki A, Togashi S, Konno H, Itoyama Y.
  • Journal Title: J Hum Genet Volume: 55(4) Pages: 252-254
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Neuronal NOS is dislocated during muscle atrophy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (2010)
  • Author(s): Suzuki N, Mizuno H, Warita H, Takeda S, Itoyama Y, Aoki M.
  • Journal Title: J Neurol Sci Volume: 291(1-2) Pages: 95-101
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Presentation] Adult skeletal myogenesis in a a rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (2011)
  • Author(s): Warita H, Mizuno H, Suzuki N, Itoyama Y, Aoki M.
  • Organizer: 9th Annual Meeting of the Interantional Society for Stem Cell Research.
  • Place of Presentation: Toronto, Canada.
  • Year and Date: 20110615-18
• [Presentation] FALS with FUS mutation in Japan with early onset, rapid progress and basophilic inclusion. (2010)
  • Author(s): Aoki M, Suzuki N, Warita H, Kato M, Mizuno H, Shimakura N, Akiyama T, Furuya H, Hokonohara T, Iwaki A, Togashi S, Konno H, Itoyama Y.
  • Organizer: 2th International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases.
  • Place of Presentation: Naples, Italy.
  • Year and Date: 20100617-22
• [Presentation] Angiogenesis in the spinal cord of transgenic rats with motor neuron degeneration. (2010)
  • Author(s): Warita H, Aoki M, Mizuno H, Suzuki N, Itoyama Y.
  • Organizer: 12th International Congress on Neuromuscular Diseases.
  • Place of Presentation: Naples, Italy.
  • Year and Date: 20100617-22
• [Remarks]
  • URL: http://www.neurol.med.tohoku.ac.jp/index.html