Matrix microenvironment regulates neural stem cell differentiation into neural and glial lineages

摘要

The inability of the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) for self-repair has prompted increased efforts within the field of regenerative medicine to re-establish and reconnect diseased and damaged neural networks. The prevalence of neurological disorders is widespread; every year thousands of new patients are diagnosed with various neurological related injuries and diseases in the United States, and a majority of them succumb to this condition within 3-5 years post-diagnosis. Neural stem cells typically assume a quiescent phenotype, unless provoked by environmental signals, at which point they begin to proliferate, migrate, or differentiate into a specific neural or glial lineage. In this study, we developed and evaluated the utility of four different compositions of 3D biomimetic ECM scaffolds on NSC homing, survival, proliferation and differentiation into neural and glial lineages. These scaffolds consist of HA, collagens and proteoglycans in varying proportions. The scaffolds used in this study have not been crosslinked to minimize toxicity emanating from crosslinking agents.