Recombinant GABAergic Cells as a Therapy for Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Abstract
Purpose: The main focus of the project is a development of recombinant cell-based therapy for chronic pain. Scope: The reduction in the GABA signaling and its relation to the development of chronic pain has been described after spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries. Transplantation of GABAergic neuronal cells may restore the inhibitory potential in the spinal cord and replace dysfunctional interneurons. Grafted cells may also release additional analgesic peptides by means of genetic engineering to further enhance the benefits of this approach. Conopeptides are ideal candidates for recombinant expression using cell based strategies. The goal of the project is to develop transplantable recombinant GABAergic cells releasing MVIIA that can alleviate pain-like behavior in the models of neuropathic pain after peripheral and spinal cord injury. Major findings: We have engineered and characterized the GABAergic progenitors expressing MVIIA. Cells were intraspinally injected into animals in the model of peripheral nerve injury. Small number of animals with spinal cord injury also received the graft. Although the experiments are still undergoing, we have observed beneficial effect of the grafted cells in reducing hypersensitivity on animals after peripheral nerve injury. The presence of the graft in the tissue have been confirmed. Several other physiological markers that might be affected by the treatment are currently analyzed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1110067
Entities
People
- Stanislava Jergová
Organizations
- University of Miami