Microglia and programmed cell death in spinal cord injury: beyond apoptosis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers a multifaceted cascade of cellular and molecular events that profoundly influence the extent of secondary damage. Central to this process, microglia-the innate immune cells of the central nervous system-display a range of programmed cell death pathways that have significant implications for injury outcomes. This article mainly focuses on three key programmed cell death modalities that have emerged in SCI: ferroptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. Ferroptosis, characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, autophagy, which can serve dual roles in cell survival and death, and pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of cell death, contribute uniquely to the progression and resolution of post-injury neuroinflammation. We examine the underlying molecular mechanisms, the regulatory networks that integrate these pathways, and how their dysregulation may exacerbate tissue damage. Moreover, potential therapeutic strategies to modulate these specific cell death processes are discussed, offering promising avenues for reducing secondary damage and enhancing recovery in patients with SCI.
Authors: Ming Huang, Guoquan Yao, Baowen He, Xiaohu Zhou, Guoqing Liu, Wenfei Dong
Institution: General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region
Language: English
Topic: Spinal Cord Injury Research
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4415245187