Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury Using mRNA Technology
The treatment of spinal cord injuries presents a significant challenge for science and medicine. The inflammatory processes that occur as a result of the injuries can damage not only the injured area but also the surrounding healthy tissues. Therefore, it is crucial to perform effective interventions as soon as possible. The time factor plays a prominent role in the success of recovery, as delays can further worsen the injured condition.
To reduce inflammation and promote regeneration, numerous research efforts are underway worldwide. The Neuroregeneration Laboratory at the University of Szeged, led by Professor Antal Nógrádi, has been working for years on more effective treatments for spinal cord injuries. By applying ancient cells and the latest mRNA technology, they aim to accelerate and improve the healing processes.
Recent research has shown that the application of mRNA technology offers new possibilities for the production of anti-inflammatory proteins, which can play a key role in regeneration. Such developments can not only increase the effectiveness of healing but also provide new therapeutic options in the future.
The Role of Stem Cells in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
The use of stem cells in the treatment of spinal cord injuries has been ongoing for decades. These cells have the ability to regenerate and differentiate into various types of cells in different tissues. Researchers have conducted numerous experiments in which stem cells were implanted into rats to observe their effects on inflammatory processes and regeneration.
During inflammatory reactions, not only do the already damaged cells die in the injured area, but the surrounding healthy cells are also affected. With the help of stem cells, researchers aim to halt this process and promote the reduction of inflammation. Stem cells can produce anti-inflammatory proteins that may contribute to minimizing the damage caused by the injury.
Research findings indicate that the implantation of stem cells has led to significant improvements in the condition of rat models. However, to reduce inflammation and promote regeneration, researchers have also noticed another innovative solution – the mRNA technology.
New Possibilities of mRNA Technology
The application of mRNA technology opens new dimensions in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The essence of this approach is that the mRNA coding for the anti-inflammatory protein IL-10 is packaged in a lipid shell and injected into the injured area. The delivered mRNA is taken up by local cells, which then begin to produce the protein.
This procedure has already proven successful during experiments, as functional and morphological improvements have been observed in model animals. Researchers are now working to deliver the mRNA to the injured spinal cord using less invasive methods, thereby minimizing the risks of intervention.
As part of the solution, researchers use so-called “cargo cells,” into which the mRNA is first introduced. These cells can infiltrate the injured area, where protein production begins. This approach allows for more effective inflammation reduction and regeneration while decreasing the invasiveness of the intervention for the patient.
Future Directions of Research
The results achieved so far in research are promising and suggest that the use of cargo cells provides opportunities for the development of new therapeutic methods. In current experiments, researchers monitor how the produced proteins affect the surrounding tissues and to what extent they contribute to reducing inflammation.
The long-term goal is to perfect the procedure to the extent that anti-inflammatory proteins reach only the necessary areas, minimizing unwanted side effects. The Neuroregeneration Laboratory at the University of Szeged continues to work in collaboration with researchers from other institutions to achieve breakthroughs in this field as soon as possible.
The results of the research not only offer new possibilities for the treatment of spinal cord injuries but may also provide therapeutic solutions applicable to other neurodegenerative diseases. The future is promising, and the scientific community continues to strive to enhance the regenerative capabilities of the spinal cord.
