Engrafted NSPCs Form Presynaptic Connectivity with Spared Host Neurons after SCI (A) The gene expression levels of pan-presynaptic markers in engrafted NSPCs at 6weeks after transplantation, as determined by qRT-PCR, are shown (n= 8 mice per group). (B) Triple-staining for GFP (green), HU (blue), and the presynaptic marker BASSOON (red) at 6weeks after transplantation. The images showed that the engrafted NSPCs expressed BASSOON-positive synaptic boutons (arrowhead) in their axon terminals, which surrounded HU-positive host neurons. The right image is a magnification of the boxed area in the left image. (C) Quantification of the GFP/BASSOON-positive synaptic boutons in engrafted NSPCs is shown (n= 60 neurons; six mice per group). (D and E) The gene expression levels of inhibitory presynaptic markers (Vgat, Gad65, and Gad67) and excitatory presynaptic markers(Vglut1 and Vglut2) in engrafted NSPCs at 6weeks after transplantation, as determined by qRT-PCR, are shown (n= 8 mice per group). (F) Triple-staining for GFP (green), HU (blue), and the excitatory presynaptic marker VGLUT2 (red) at 6weeks after transplantation. The images showed that the GFP/VGLUT2-positive excitatory synaptic boutons (arrowhead) contacted HU-positive host neurons. The right image is a magnification of the boxed area in the left image. (G) Quantification of the GFP/VGLUT2-positive synaptic boutons in engrafted NSPCs is shown (n= 60 neurons; six mice per group). p< 0.05, p< 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank-sum test (A, C, D, E, and G). The data are presented as the means SEM. Scale bars, 20m (B and F) and 2m (insets).

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Engrafted Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Promote Functional ...