Researchers testing remyelination method using Schwann cells

Scientists at San Raffaele Scientific Institute have developed a method of reprogramming skin fibroblasts into induced Schwann cells, which could be used to remyelinate peripheral axons in patients with multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating disorders. In a paper published Feb. 7 in Nature Communications, researchers showed that the lab-generated Schwann cells wrapped peripheral nerve axons in vitro, forming compact and functional myelin sheaths.

In the study, lentiviral-mediated gene transfer of transcription factors SRY-box containing gene 10 (Sox10) and early growth response 2 (EGR2) converted embryonic, neonatal and adult mouse skin fibroblasts into induced Schwann cells with efficiencies of 12.3%, 8.5% and 18.9%, respectively. Additionally, treatment of the Schwann cells with basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) significantly increased cell proliferation, and co-culture of induced Schwann cells with mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons produced myelin segments with correct morphology and organization...