CD44 expression in stem cells and niche microglia/macrophages following ischemic stroke

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background CD44, an adhesion molecule in the hyaluronate receptor family, plays diverse and important roles in multiple cell types and organs. Increasing evidence is mounting for CD44 expression in various types of stem cells and niche cells surrounding stem cells. However, the precise phenotypes of CD44 + cells in the brain under pathologic conditions, such as after ischemic stroke, remain unclear. Methods In the present study, using a mouse model for cerebral infarction by middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, we examined the localization and traits of CD44 + cells. Results In sham-mice operations, CD44 was rarely observed in the cortex of MCA regions. Following ischemic stroke, CD44 + cells emerged in ischemic areas of the MCA cortex during the acute phase. Although CD44 at ischemic areas was, in part, expressed in stem cells, it was also expressed in hematopoietic lineages, including activated microglia/macrophages, surrounding the stem cells. CD44 expression in microglia/macrophages persisted through the chronic phase following ischemic stroke. Conclusions These data demonstrate that CD44 is expressed in stem cells and cells in the niches surrounding them, including inflammatory cells, suggesting that CD44 may play an important role in reparative processes within ischemic areas under neuroinflammatory conditions; in particular, strokes.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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