Effects of Human Neural Stem Cell Grafts on Autonomic and Cardioregulatory Systems After SCI in Non-Human Primates
Abstract
There are currently no effective therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI). Our research aims to develop neural stem cells as potential therapies for human SCI. Stem cells offer the potential to re-wire the injured nervous system, forming new neural circuits that relay electrical signals across sites of even severe SCI to support significant improvements in motor function. We have identified a "lead" candidate human neural stem cell line to advance to potential human clinical trials, the H9-scNSC line. We are now testing this human neural stem cell line in a non-human primate model of SCI, in preparation for possible clinical trials. In this grant, we propose to examine effects of our H9-scNSC line on bowel and bladder function, and cardiovascular reflexes. Loss of bowel and bladder function and impairment of cardiovascular reflexes are major complications of SCI. There are no effective neuro-restorative therapies for these autonomic problems. As we continue to develop H9-scNSCs for human translation, it is important to assess effects of these stem cells on autonomic outcomes for two reasons: (1) to determine whether H9- scNSCs improve autonomic outcomes, and (2) to determine whether H9-scNSCs worsen autonomic outcomes (i.e., to show that H9-scNSCs are safe with regard to autonomic outcomes). Thus, the proposed research will systematically examine effects of H9-scNSCs on bowel, bladder, and cardiovascular responses after SCI in non-human primates after lower cervical partial spinal cord lesions. The proposed research aligns with the priorities of the SCIRP, and could represent a major step forward toward human clinical trials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 03, 2019
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810250
Entities
People
- Mark Tuszynski
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of California, San Diego