Stroke-induced neuroplasticity in spiny mice in the absence of tissue regeneration
Stroke is a major cause of disability for adults over 40 years of age. While research into animal models has prioritized treatments aimed at diminishing post-stroke damage, no studies have investigated the response to a severe stroke injury in a highly regenerative adult mammal. Here we investigate the effects of transient ischemia on adult spiny mice, Acomys cahirinus, due to their ability to regenerate multiple tissues without scarring. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed and Acomys showed rapid behavioral recovery post-stroke yet failed to regenerate impacted brain regions. An Acomys brain atlas in combination with functional (f)MRI demonstrated recovery coincides with neuroplasticity. The strength and quality of the global connectome are preserved post-injury with distinct contralateral and ipsilateral brain regions compensating for lost tissue. Thus, we propose Acomys recovers functionally from an ischemic stroke injury not by tissue regeneration but by altering its brain connectome.
Authors
- Jodi L. Bubenik (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6575-9817)
- Lei Liu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3710-7042)
- Sylvain Doré (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3771-5109)
- Marjory Pompilus
- Benjamin M. Kidd
- Helmut A. Carter (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0273-4107)
- Malcolm Maden (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7178-5309)
- W. Brad Barbazuk (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0909-4563)
- Mackenzie L. Davenport (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5767-1900)
- Justin A. Varholick (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2822-9045)
- Matteo M. Grudny (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7133-9173)
- Pradip Kumar Kamat (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0376-2284)
- Maurice S. Swanson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6245-5367)
- Marcelo Febo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8981-4163)
- Dana M. Tuyn
- Eduardo Candelario‐Jalil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3631-1989)
- Zachary D Simon
- Mackenzie P. Mekler
Institutions
- University of Florida (US)
- Florida College (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- npj Regenerative Medicine
- Published
- 2024-12-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41536-024-00386-8
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.64
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- McKnight Foundation
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
- National Institutes of Health
- Division of Materials Research
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences