Schwann-spheres derived from injured peripheral nerves in adult mice - their in vitro characterization and therapeutic potential

Takehiko Takagi, Ken Ishii, Shinsuke Shibata, Akimasa Yasuda, Momoka Sato, Narihito Nagoshi, Harukazu Saito, Hirotaka J. Okano, Yoshiaki Toyama, Hideyuki Okano, Masaya Nakamura

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Multipotent somatic stem cells have been identified in various adult tissues. However, the stem/progenitor cells of the peripheral nerves have been isolated only from fetal tissues. Here, we isolated Schwann-cell precursors/immature Schwann cells from the injured peripheral nerves of adult mice using a floating culture technique that we call "Schwann-spheres." The Schwann-spheres were derived from de-differentiated mature Schwann cells harvested 24 hours to 6 weeks after peripheral nerve injury. They had extensive self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. They strongly expressed the immature-Schwann-cell marker p75, and differentiated only into the Schwann-cell lineage. The spheres showed enhanced myelin formation and neurite growth compared to mature Schwann cells in vitro. Mature Schwann cells have been considered a promising candidate for cell-transplantation therapies to repair the damaged nervous system, whereas these "Schwann-spheres" would provide a more potential autologous cell source for such transplantation.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere21497
JournalPloS one
Volume6
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
  • General

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