Scientists identify neurons that restore walking after paralysis

In latest research done by NeuroRestore with directors Grégoire Courtine, a neuroscience professor at EPFL, and Jocelyne Bloch, a neurosurgeon at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), there has been progress in identifying a specific neuron that is activated and remodeled by spinal cord stimulation. Previously in their research, patients receiving epidural electrical stimulation of the area that controls leg movement were able to regain some motor function. Efficacy of this therapy was demonstrated in nine patients, after patients completed the neurorehabilitation process and electrical stimulation was turned off. Overall, it suggested that nerve fibers used for walking were reorganized, which is a finding that can lead to developing more targeted and effective treatments.

With prior research work with Stéphanie Lacour, a fellow EPFL professor, her team adapted implants in mice that would not just stimulate the spinal cord, but would deactivate specific neurons through an optogenetic process. Interestingly, the implant system had no effect on healthy mice, but then when the system was used on mice with a spinal cord injury, the mice stopped immediately as a result of the deactivated neurons. Ultimately, there was resulting speculation that targeting those specific neurons (Vsx2) are needed for spinal cord stimulation therapies and can lead to neural reorganization. As a result, when the nine clinical-trial patients were able to recover some degree of motor function from the implants, it pointed to leading insights into the reorganization process for spinal cord neurons.

The full article including details can be found HERE

NorCal SCI would like thank volunteer Alex Jiang for contributing this article to our Newsletter. If you have an article of interest to the SCI Community, please email us at info@norcalsci.org