Boosting Schwann cells migration

Schwann cells are one candidate cell population for transplantation after a spinal cord injury. They hold a lot of potential both for the bridging of the site of injury and the remyelination of the fibres that lost their myelin sheath. They have the combined property of supporting axonal regeneration by secreting growth factors while shielding axons from the inhibitory environment of the central nervous system. Unfortunately, Schwann cells that were transplanted in experimental injury models show limited migratory ability and are unable to mix together with the hosts cells (astrocytes). This in turn leads to the failure of axonal regeneration and proper remyelination.

A recent work from the group of Prof. James W. Fawcett, from the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) published in the journal Glia brings a new understanding of this failure. In vitro work outlined that the molecule aggrecan, which is produced by the host cells (astrocytes) is in fact involved in the restriction of Schwann cell migration. The disruption of this molecule results in a better migration of the Schwann cell. These results, which should now be confirmed using an in vivo approach, bring a new potential therapeutic target which could eventually lead to the use of Schwann cell transplantation as treatment for spinal cord injury.

Original publication: Afshari FT, Kwok JC, White L, Fawcett JW. Schwann cell migration is integrin-dependent and inhibited by astrocyte-produced aggrecan. Glia. 2010 Feb 12.