Analysis of the molecular basis of nerve repair and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury, and exploration of pathological markers

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K17539
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Suzuka University of Medical Science
• Principal Investigator: Kusakawa Yuya 鈴鹿医療科学大学, 保健衛生学部, 准教授 (40756392)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 神経科学 / リハビリテーション / 反復運動 / SCG10

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Rehabilitation after traumatic peripheral nerve injury is important for patients’ social reintegration and QOL improvement, but the details regarding its molecular targets and mechanisms of action remain unclear. Therefore, using a nerve crush injury model in rats, we analyzed changes in the expression dynamics of nerve tissue repair-related molecules with forelimb repetitive exercise. We confirmed an increase in the expression of the sensory axon regeneration marker Superior Cervical Ganglion 10 (SCG10) and the promotion of tactile recovery with repetitive exercise. Additionally, we explored potential pathological markers that could optimize rehabilitation and confirmed an increase in neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood following nerve crush. However, a more detailed analysis is necessary to utilize this as a pathological marker.

Free Research Field

神経生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

これまで損傷末梢神経組織における運動療法の治療標的と作用機序の詳細は未解明であった。本研究では、反復運動による感覚軸索再生マーカーSCG10の発現上昇と触覚回復の促進が確認され、触覚回復にSCG10が関与していることが示唆された。この2つの関連性と反復運動によるSCG10発現上昇のメカニズムを解析することで、より効果的なリハビリの開発へと発展できる。また、本研究では、これまでに行われていない、リハビリ介入技術の至適化に利用できる病態マーカーの探索に取り組み、血中NfLを候補として同定した。これらは外傷性神経損傷後のリハビリの分子的評価指標や作用機序解明への手がかりとなる。