In vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia improves bladder function after spinal cord injury
Neurogenic bladder is a debilitating consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI), with limited treatments that restore voluntary voiding. Although <i>in vivo</i> glial reprogramming has been achieved in the injured spinal cord, its effect on bladder function remains unclear. Here, we show that SOX2-mediated reprogramming of NG2 glia enhances bladder function in a clinically relevant mouse model of contusive SCI. The reprogramming process induces new neurons, attenuates scarring, and significantly improves urinary performance, as assessed by voiding assays and conscious cystometry. Functional recovery correlates positively with neurogenesis and inversely with scarring. These findings reveal that <i>in vivo</i> glial reprogramming promotes autonomic circuit repair and provides a regenerative strategy for treating neurogenic bladder after SCI.
Authors
- Tianjin Shen
- Wenjiao Tai
- Xiaoling Zhong
- Chun-Li Zhang
- Bo Chen
- Yuhua Zou
- Wei Li
- Peiqi Zhao
- Junkui Shang
Institutions
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (US)
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- iScience
- Published
- 2026-01-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2026.114850
- Primary Topic
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00