# In vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia for neurogenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $423,253

## Abstract

Neuron loss is a frequent result of neural injury or degeneration. A fundamental but unresolved challenge is how
to restore the lost neurons and repair the neural circuits in the adult central nervous system. Stem cell-based
transplantation has limitations on immune compatibility, neuronal survival, and functional integration; and it has
the potential for tumorigenesis. The long-term goal of this proposal is to define innovative regenerative strategies
by using a patient’s own scar-forming cells without cell transplantation. In response to injury or neural
degeneration, glial cells become reactive, proliferate, and form scars. Scar formation is initially beneficial by
restricting damage but ultimately detrimental to neural regeneration through acting as a physical and chemical
barrier to axonal regeneration and growth. Our prior research showed that reactive astrocytes can be in vivo
reprogrammed to expandable neural progenitors, which can further produce mature neurons in the adult central
nervous system. The current proposal will focus on NG2 glia, another major component of the glial scar. Our
preliminary data indicate that they can be in vivo reprogrammed to become neurogenic. We here propose to
determine the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the reprogramming process of NG2 glia in adult
mouse. We will also examine the excitability and synaptic integrations of the induced neurons from NG2 glia.
Finally, we will investigate the biological function of these newly generated neurons in a mouse model of neural
injury. Results from this work may lead to paradigm-shifting regeneration-based therapeutic strategies for neural
injury and degeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10240711
- **Project number:** 5R01NS117065-02
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Chun-Li Zhang
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $423,253
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10240711

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10240711, In vivo reprogramming of NG2 glia for neurogenesis (5R01NS117065-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10240711. Licensed CC0.

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