Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (24): 6306-6315.doi: 10.12307/2026.367

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Animal models of neurogenic heterotopic ossification: key disease progression and pathogenesis

Ren Qingsong1, Xie Yulei1, 2, Liu Jingjing1, Lin Jingyi1, Long Danlei1, Zhang Chunyu3, Xie Liang1, Zheng Kaiyuan1, Wang Yinxu1   

  1. 1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China; 2School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China; 3Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
  • Received:2025-06-06 Revised:2025-09-15 Online:2026-08-28 Published:2026-02-03
  • Contact: Wang Yinxu, PhD, Associate chief physician, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China
  • About author:Ren Qingsong, MS candidate, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Sichuan Province Science and Technology Innovation Seed Project, No. MZGC20230044 (to ZKY); North Sichuan Medical College Youth Project - Natural Science Category, No. 2023JC011, CBY22-QNA45 (to XYL)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neurogenic heterotopic ossification frequently occurs within 1 to 3 months following spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, characterized by abnormal bone formation in periarticular soft tissues. The precise pathogenesis remains unclear, underscoring the urgent need for systematic research to inform clinical management.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize recent advances in animal models of neurogenic heterotopic ossification and elucidate its underlying mechanisms, with a particular focus on the pathological differentiation of osteogenic precursor cells, remodeling of the local tissue microenvironment, and the interplay between neural regulation and neurogenic heterotopic ossification formation, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development of targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, CNKI, and SinoMed published prior to January 2025. The search terms were “neurogenic heterotopic ossification, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ossification, heterotopic, central nervous system” in English and “neurogenic heterotopic ossification, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ossification” in Chinese. Literature related to animal models and mechanisms of neurogenic heterotopic ossification was included to summarize the key pathogenesis of neurogenic heterotopic ossification.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Recruitment and aberrant osteogenic differentiation of osteogenic precursor cells (primarily fibro-adipogenic progenitors) are regulated by microenvironmental factors such as hypoxia, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Neurogenic mediators, including nerve growth factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and substance P, facilitate ectopic ossification through neuro-immune interactions. Future research should aim to construct a comprehensive molecular network, further dissect core signaling pathways, and develop novel targeted interventions to enable early detection and individualized treatment of neurogenic heterotopic ossification, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Key words: neurogenic heterotopic ossification, central nervous system injury, osteogenic precursor cells, local tissue microenvironment, neural regulation, animal models, pathogenesis

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