Transplanting Human Neural Stem Cells with ≈50% Reduction of SOX9 Gene Dosage Promotes Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery from Severe Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are considered a major cell source for reconstructing damaged neural circuitry and enabling axonal regeneration. However, the microenvironment at the site of spinal cord injury (SCI) and inadequate intrinsic factors limit the therapeutic potential of transplanted NSCs. Here, it is shown that half dose of SOX9 in hPSCs‐derived NSCs (hNSCs) results in robust neuronal differentiation bias toward motor neuron lineage. The enhanced neurogenic potency is partly attributed to the reduction of glycolysis. These neurogenic and metabolic properties retain after transplantation of hNSCs with reduced SOX9 expression in a contusive SCI rat model without the need for growth factor‐enriched matrices. Importantly, the grafts exhibit excellent integration properties, predominantly differentiate into motor neurons, reduce glial scar matrix accumulation to facilitate long‐distance axon growth and neuronal connectivity with the host as well as dramatically improve locomotor and somatosensory function in recipient animals. These results demonstrate that hNSCs with half SOX9 gene dosage can overcome extrinsic and intrinsic barriers, representing a powerful therapeutic potential for transplantation treatments for SCI.

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes nerve damage and the injury environment favors SOX9 expression, inhibiting neurogenesis and promoting astrocytic scar formation. Grafting of hNSCs with a half dose of SOX9 acquires unique intrinsic capacity resulting in enhanced neurogenesis, long axonal growth, and establishing neuronal connectivity with the host that restores locomotor activity and somatosensory function of the SCI animals.