Fat-derived neural stem cells promote nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve injury
Using cell tracer models, we confirm that adipose-derived neural stem cells can be therapeutically delivered to injured peripheral nerves, integrate with recipient axons and Schwann cells, and differentiate into myelinating Schwann-like cells to enhance motor recovery. These findings indicate that subcutaneous adipose tissue-derived neural stem cells could fill a critical gap in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, representing a readily available, autologous source of regenerative cells to optimize functional recovery after injury.
Authors
- Rhian Stavely (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5099-3704)
- Allan M. Goldstein (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2106-847X)
- Christopher Y Han (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1585-4370)
- A Kashiwagi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2656-8142)
- Leah Ott (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3889-1550)
- Atiqur Rahman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0086-2586)
- Ryo Hotta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9890-8241)
- Abigail Leavitt
- A Burns
- Charles D. Hwang
Institutions
- Harvard University (US)
- Great Ormond Street Hospital (GB)
- Cambridge Hospital (US)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (US)
- University College London (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Stem Cell Research & Therapy
- Published
- 2025-12-22
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-025-04800-w
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Nerve injury and regeneration
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.91
Funders
- National Institutes of Health