Rita Matta1, Anjelica L Gonzalez1. 1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into functional neurons, heightening their potential use for therapeutic applications. This review explores bioengineered systems which recapitulate NSC niche cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. RECENT FINDINGS: Delivery of NSCs to the cytotoxic injured brain is limited by low cell survival rates post-transplantation and poor maintenance of native niche bioactive components. The use of biomaterial platforms can mimic in vivo the environment of the two germinal areas of the adult brain in which NSCs thrive. An environmental mimic that includes extracellular proteins and moieties, along with appropriate biomechanical cues has recently demonstrated promising results in enhancing neurogenesis, aiding the production of a bioengineered niche. SUMMARY: Biocomposition, biomechanics, and biostructure can be manipulated through engineered platforms to re-create the biofunctionality of an NSC niche. Upon transplantation and delivery with biomimetic scaffolds, NSCs show potential to promote functional recovery and rebuild neural circuitry post neurological trauma.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into functional neurons, heightening their potential use for therapeutic applications. This review explores bioengineered systems which recapitulate NSC niche cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. RECENT FINDINGS: Delivery of NSCs to the cytotoxic injured brain is limited by low cell survival rates post-transplantation and poor maintenance of native niche bioactive components. The use of biomaterial platforms can mimic in vivo the environment of the two germinal areas of the adult brain in which NSCs thrive. An environmental mimic that includes extracellular proteins and moieties, along with appropriate biomechanical cues has recently demonstrated promising results in enhancing neurogenesis, aiding the production of a bioengineered niche. SUMMARY: Biocomposition, biomechanics, and biostructure can be manipulated through engineered platforms to re-create the biofunctionality of an NSC niche. Upon transplantation and delivery with biomimetic scaffolds, NSCs show potential to promote functional recovery and rebuild neural circuitry post neurological trauma.
Authors: Sebastian Rammensee; Michael S Kang; Katerina Georgiou; Sanjay Kumar; David V Schaffer Journal: Stem Cells Date: 2016-09-23 Impact factor: 6.277
Authors: Martha I Betancur; Hannah D Mason; Melissa Alvarado-Velez; Phillip V Holmes; Ravi V Bellamkonda; Lohitash Karumbaiah Journal: ACS Biomater Sci Eng Date: 2017-02-13
Authors: Andrea Trost; Simona Lange; Falk Schroedl; Daniela Bruckner; Karolina A Motloch; Barbara Bogner; Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger; Clemens Strohmaier; Christian Runge; Ludwig Aigner; Francisco J Rivera; Herbert A Reitsamer Journal: Front Cell Neurosci Date: 2016-02-04 Impact factor: 5.505