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Stem Cell-Based Strategies for Prenatal Treatment of Spina Bifida and the Promise of Cell-Free, Minimally Invasive Approaches

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Spina bifida (SB) is a severe birth defect that affects 1400 newborns annually in the USA. SB is often diagnosed before irreversible neurological damage occurs, making it possible to exploit the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapeutics as intervention strategies for neural tissue protection against further damage. Here, we discuss the most recent MSC-based intervention strategies developed to create an in utero pro-regenerative environment.

Recent Findings

MSCs show potential benefits in the prenatal treatment of SB due to their remarkable healing and protective potential, both in preclinical and clinical studies. While promising, current in utero tissue repair strategies remain highly invasive for the mother and the fetus

Summary

We provide insights on the mechanisms activated by MSCs in utero and discuss the advantages of MSC-free approaches, as minimally invasive tools capable of functional tissue repair while reducing the limitations of current therapeutics.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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  1. Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Bruna Corradetti & Richard H. Finnell

  2. Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Bruna Corradetti & Richard H. Finnell

  3. Center for Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, USA

    Francesca Taraballi

  4. Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Francesca Taraballi

  5. Center for RNA Therapeutics, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Francesca Taraballi

  6. Departments of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Richard H. Finnell

Authors
  1. Bruna Corradetti
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  2. Francesca Taraballi
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  3. Richard H. Finnell
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All authors whose names appear on the submission made substantial contributions to the conception of the work; drafted the work or revised it critically for important intellectual content; approved the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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Correspondence to Bruna Corradetti.

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Conflict of Interest

Bruna Corradetti and Francesca Taraballi declare that they have no conflict of interest. Richard Finnell was formerly associated with TeratOmic Consulting, a now defunct organization. He also receives travel funds for editorial board meetings of the journal Reproductive and Developmental Medicine.

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Corradetti, B., Taraballi, F. & Finnell, R.H. Stem Cell-Based Strategies for Prenatal Treatment of Spina Bifida and the Promise of Cell-Free, Minimally Invasive Approaches. Curr Stem Cell Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40778-024-00233-y

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