ArticleFrontiers in neuroscience2026
Hedgehog signaling enhances the Schwann-like and nerve repair-supportive properties of ectomesenchymal stem cells.
Article in Frontiers in neuroscience, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Introduction: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and incomplete functional recovery. Schwann cells (SCs) are essential for nerve repair, but their clinical application is constrained by limited availability. Ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs), derived from neural crest lineage, represent a promising alternative; however, their inefficient differentiation into SC-like cells remains a key limitation. This study investigated whether activation of Hedgehog signaling via Sonic hedgehog (Shh) could enhance SC-like differentiation and improve nerve regeneration. Methods: EMSCs were isolated from rat nasal mucosa and transduced with adenoviral vectors to overexpress Shh. SC-like differentiation was assessed using RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. Transcriptomic analysis compared EMSCs with primary SCs. A short-gap rat sciatic nerve defect model was established as an initial proof-of-concept Results: Transcriptomic analysis revealed that EMSCs possess a partial SC-related transcriptional profile but lack sufficient Hedgehog activation. Shh overexpression activated canonical Hedgehog signaling, evidenced by increased Gli1/2 expression and nuclear translocation. Shh-EMSCs showed enhanced expression of SCs markers (P75, GFAP, MBP, S100β), increased secretion of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NT-3), and reduced inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: Hedgehog signaling contributes to SC-like differentiation of EMSCs. Shh-mediated activation promotes a pro-regenerative phenotype and enhances nerve repair-related outcomes in a short-gap sciatic nerve defect model, suggesting that Shh-EMSCs may serve as a potential cell-based strategy for peripheral nerve repair.
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