In Vitro Developmental Acceleration of Hippocampal Neurons on Nanostructures of Self-Assembled Silica Beads in Filopodium-Size Ranges

摘要

The neurite outgrowth and path-finding behaviors of neurons are governed by two protrusive, actin-based molecular structures, filopodia and lamellipodia, the diameter of which is generally in the range of 100-300 nm. The dynamic stability of filopodia and lamellipodia allows neuronal cells to recognize the surrounding environments at the nanometer scale and to subsequently modify their cytoskeletal structures in response to stimuli/cues. For example, permissive cues impede the retrograde flow of actin filaments and promote their assembly by generating tensions to the filopodia, resulting in the overall advance of neurites toward the cues.