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.

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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
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article

In vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia improves bladder function after spinal cord injury

Tianjin Shen, Wenjiao Tai, Xiaoling Zhong, Chun-Li Zhang et al.
iScience
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
article

In vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia improves bladder function after spinal cord injury

Tianjin Shen, Wenjiao Tai, Xiaoling Zhong, Chun-Li Zhang, Bo Chen, Yuhua Zou, Wei Li, Peiqi Zhao, Junkui Shang
article en

Abstract

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.

iScienceVol. 29(3)
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (US), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (US)
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Openalex Percentile: Top 72%
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
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