New insights into cellular processes after a stroke

Strokes lead to irreversible damage to the brain and are one of the most common causes of dependency or death. As the cellular reactions to a cerebral infarction are not yet fully understood, there are no current techniques to promote the regeneration of damaged nerve tissue in the brain.

A study led by MedUni Vienna and recently published in Nature Communications closes crucial gaps in our knowledge and paves the way for research into new, targeted therapeutic strategies.

In order to investigate the activity of individual cells in the brain after a stroke, the research team led by first author Daniel Bormann (Department of Thoracic Surgery) and study leaders Hendrik J. Ankersmit (Department of Thoracic Surgery) and Michael Mildner (Department of Dermatology) used single-cell RNA sequencing in animal models, which are already established in stroke research.

Using this method, the researchers were able to identify different cell types and their reactions in the early phase after a cerebral infarction. They focused on two specific cell types (astrocytes and oligodentrocytes) from the group of glial cells, which are involved in many fundamental processes in the brain.

Cellular interaction in the infarct area

Scientists already know that astrocytes divide rapidly after a stroke and accumulate around the infarct area. “We have been able to show, that oligodentrocyte precursor cells also divide in the acute infarct phase and accumulate at the edge of the damaged nerve tissue,” reports Bormann.

In further complex analyses, the scientists discovered possible mechanisms in the wound healing of the damaged brain area. “We found considerable overlaps in the gene activity patterns of both cell types, especially in those genes that are important for building the glial barrier around the infarct,” Bormann explains.

In addition, it was discovered that certain immune cells (microglia and macrophages), which are also found in the vicinity of the infarct, release a signaling molecule (osteopontin). This molecule could play a decisive role in directing the glial cells to the edge of the infarct, where they are needed, among other functions, to form a barrier between the damaged and healthy tissue.

“Our description of the interaction between immune and glial cells in the infarct area contributes considerably to a better understanding of the regeneration processes of nerve tissue in the brain after a stroke,” says Bormann.

After cardiovascular diseases and cancer, strokes are the third most common cause of death in Austria and the most frequent cause of permanent disability and the need for long-term care. An ischemic stroke is caused by the blockage of a blood vessel in the brain. The resulting interruption in the supply of oxygen and nutrients leads to a cerebral infarction in which nerve tissue is irreversibly damaged.

Treatment approaches to date focus on restoring blood flow, which has to happen within 24 hours and is only possible for some of those affected. As the cellular processes following a cerebral infarction are not yet fully understood, treatment approaches to promote the regeneration of nerve tissue after a stroke are still lacking.

“The insights gained in our international and interdisciplinary study are a promising resource for developing novel targeted therapeutic strategies,” says Bormann.