Work

Neural network tissue and myocytes co-culture system reveals effects of different myocytes on postnatal development of spinal cord neural network

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The spinal cord serves as a vital bridge connecting the brain and all the organs of the body, and its development and function are affected by other organs [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The interaction between the spinal cord neural network and myocytes is essential for the development and maturation of the nervous system, and is closely related to somatic movement and visceral functions [ 4 , 5 ]. Skeletal muscle cells (SkMCs) are innervated by spinal cord motor neurons [ 2 ], and vascular smooth muscle cells in central nervous tissue and corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CC-SmMCs) are also innervated by spinal cord neuron [ 6 , 7 ]. There have been studies on the interaction between central nervous system (CNS) organoids and SkMCs, which simulate the impact of skeletal muscle on the development and functional formation of the CNS during the early stages of development [ 8 , 9 ]. However, little is known about the mechanism by which SkMCs and CC-SmMCs, influence the postnatal development of the spinal cord neural network [ 10 ]. In contrast to the embryonic stage, postnatal development of the central nervous system relies more heavily on the refinement of synaptic activity and the feedback regulation of neural function by muscle activity [ 11 ]. Given that the maturation of neural circuits and neuromuscular junctions predominantly occurs during the postnatal period, investigating normal postnatal neuromuscular development is essential for understanding pediatric neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and muscular dystrophies [ 12 ]. Therefore, establishing a spinal cord neuro-myocyte interaction system through tissue engineering technology and exploring the effects of SkMCs or CC-SmMCs on the differentiation and maturation of the spinal cord neural network can help elucidate the mechanisms of postnatal neural development and regeneration or simulate neuromuscular diseases [ 13 , 14 ].

Source: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences

DOI: 10.1007/s00018-025-05872-w