Published online Dec 26, 2025. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v17.i12.113924
Revised: October 25, 2025
Accepted: December 3, 2025
Published online: December 26, 2025
Processing time: 109 Days and 14 Hours
This article focused on the recent contribution by Jiang et al, who demonstrated that voluntary exercise can significantly potentiate the effects of induced pluripotent stem cell transplantation in a Parkinson’s disease (PD) model through activation of the Wnt1-Lmx1a signaling cascade. Jiang et al’s findings highlight the role of exercise as a molecular modulator of neurogenesis and support the development of integrated strategies combining physical activity, stem cell transplantation, and biomaterials to improve outcomes in PD. We highlight exercise as a molecular modulator that fosters a neurogenic milieu, recommend examining additional developmental signals (sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor 8, bone morphogenetic protein), and suggest biomaterial-based strategies to support graft survival and integration. We also stress the need to optimize exercise regimens in relation to transplantation, framing these insights within a translational strategy for advancing regenerative therapies in PD.
Core Tip: This letter builds on Jiang et al’s recent findings that voluntary exercise enhances the therapeutic impact of induced pluripotent stem cell transplantation in Parkinson’s disease by activating the Wnt1-Lmx1a pathway. We highlight exercise as a molecular modulator that fosters a neurogenic milieu, recommend examining additional developmental signals (sonic hedgehog, fibroblast growth factor 8, bone morphogenetic protein), and suggest biomaterial-based strategies to support graft survival and integration. We also stress the need to optimize exercise regimens in relation to transplantation, framing these insights within a translational strategy for advancing regenerative therapies in Parkinson’s disease.