Advancing therapeutic approaches for traumatic spinal cord injuries and degenerative cervical myelopathy, Volume II

This Research Topic is the second volume of the Research Topic “Advancing Therapeutic Approaches for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury and Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Exploring Innovative Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies.” Please see the first volume here.

Spinal cord pathology, encompassing both traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), remains a formidable challenge in neuroscience and clinical rehabilitation. Despite advances in understanding primary pathophysiological mechanisms, current therapies for SCI and DCM are limited in their ability to restore lost function or prevent progressive disability. Traumatic SCI is characterized by complex cascades of inflammation, cell death, and failures in axonal regeneration, while DCM emerges from chronic spinal cord compression driven by age-related disc degeneration and ligamentous changes. Recent breakthroughs have expanded our knowledge of molecular and cellular mechanisms, such as roles of inflammation, apoptosis, and glial scarring in SCI, and have implicated disc bulging and ligament hypertrophy in DCM progression. Nonetheless, the translation of these insights into effective and durable therapies lags behind, particularly given the multifactorial and chronic nature of these conditions. Emerging work in material sciences, stem cell biology, and neurotechnologies signals a rising potential for meaningful intervention, yet optimal strategies for neurorepair and functional recovery are not fully established.

This Research Topic aims to catalyze interdisciplinary research towards innovative and personalized therapeutic paradigms for both traumatic SCI and DCM. The primary objectives are to identify actionable molecular targets for reducing apoptosis and mitigating inflammation, refine and optimize cell transplantation techniques, and advance the use of biomaterials to support regenerative processes. Equally crucial is the ambition to unravel the specific pathobiology of DCM and pioneer sustainable solutions for axonal repair and functional restoration in SCI. Importantly, the Research Topic seeks to foster collaboration across molecular biology, clinical practice, engineering, and computational sciences, supporting the integration of technologies such as brain-computer interfaces and artificial intelligence to enhance clinical outcomes.

The scope of this Research Topic is focused on both basic and translational research related to SCI and DCM, with an emphasis on the development and clinical application of advanced therapeutic techniques. Submissions involving innovative models, preclinical studies, and clinical trials are encouraged, alongside those exploring the integration of digital and neuroengineering solutions. To gather further insights in the molecular, technological, and rehabilitative dimensions of traumatic SCI and DCM, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Epigenetic factor impacts on recovery post-traumatic SCI

- Single-cell analyses for optimizing cell transplantation techniques

- Bioactive material therapies, such as gene-edited exosomes, for SCI repair

- Novel DCM animal models and their clinical relevance

- Mechanisms of spinal cord hyperalgesia due to degeneration

- Pathogenetic insights and therapeutic strategies for cervical spondylosis

- AI-driven neural decoding and closed-loop BCI systems for SCI recovery

- Integration of smart prosthetics, wearable robotics, and brain-spinal cord interfaces for SCI therapy and personalized neurorehabilitation

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: spinal cord injury, degenerative cervical myelopathy, neuroregeneration, regenerative therapies, brain-computer interfaces

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.