Regenerating Ependymal Cells as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus, a prevalent neurological condition, is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the brain ventricles. Current therapeutic approaches partially alleviate symptoms but fail to address the underlying pathology and frequently lead to complications. Loss or dysfunction of ependymal cells (ECs) has been implicated in the formation of hydrocephalus in both murine and human studies.

The Taraviras Lab
Dr. Stavros Taraviras and his group have hypothesized that regenerating damaged ependymal cells could amelioratehydrocephalus. Their prior research identified two pivotal proteins, GemC1 and McIdas, as key regulators of ependymal cell generation during normal development.
Dr. Taraviras was awarded the 2020 Innovator Award for this project entitled, “New therapeutic approaches for hydrocephalus: A proof of principle study.” Their recently published findings demonstrate that ectopic expression of GemC1 and McIdas can reprogram various cell types, directing them to differentiate into ependymal cells, both in ex vivo and in vivo hydrocephalic animal models. Specifically, the ectopic expression of McIdas converts periventricular cells into functional, multiciliated ependymal cells in models of congenital and hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, facilitating the regeneration of ependymal cells. This regeneration supports the restoration of subventricular zone cytoarchitecture in hydrocephalic mice.
This study provides initial evidence that the ectopic expression of McIdas can reprogram cells in the hydrocephalic brain, aiding in the repair of the damaged ependyma. These findings lay the groundwork for a potential new therapeutic approach for hydrocephalus.
Click here to read their paper published in EMBO Molecular Medicine.