Updated Toolbox for Assessing Neuronal Network Reconstruction after Cell Therapy.

Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Cell therapy has proven to be a promising treatment for a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson Disease, drug-resistant epilepsy, and stroke, by restoring function after brain damage. Nevertheless, evaluating the true effectiveness of these therapeutic interventions requires a deep understanding of the functional integration of grafted cells into existing neural networks. This review explores a powerful arsenal of molecular techniques revolutionizing our ability to unveil functional integration of grafted cells within the host brain. From precise manipulation of neuronal activity to pinpoint the functional contribution of transplanted cells by using opto- and chemo-genetics, to real-time monitoring of neuronal dynamics shedding light on functional connectivity within the reconstructed circuits by using genetically encoded (calcium) indicators . Finally, structural reconstruction and mapping communication pathways between grafted and host neurons can be achieved by monosynaptic tracing with viral vectors. The cutting-edge toolbox presented here holds immense promise for elucidating the impact of cell therapy on neural circuitry and guiding the development of more effective treatments for neurological disorders.

Year of Publication
2024
Journal
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
Volume
11
Issue
5
Date Published
05/2024
ISSN
2306-5354
DOI
10.3390/bioengineering11050487
PubMed ID
38790353
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