Transplanting Human Neural Stem Cells with ≈50% Reduction of <i>SOX9</i> Gene Dosage Promotes Tissue Repair and Functional Recovery from Severe Spinal Cord Injury
Jessica Aijia Liu, Kin Wai Tam, Yong Long Chen, Xianglan Feng, Christy Wing Lam Chan, Amos Lok Hang Lo, Kenneth Lap‐Kei Wu, Man‐Ning Hui, Ming‐Hoi Wu, Ken Kwok‐Keung Chan, May Pui Lai Cheung, Chi Wai Cheung, Daisy Kwok‐Yan Shum, YS Chan, Martin Cheung, Martin Cheung, Martin Cheung
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.