An integrin-binding array platform identifies αvβ8 and α5β1 integrins on rat primary cortical neurons to support their survival and growth

J Neurosci Methods, 2020 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108729 · Published: June 1, 2020

Simple Explanation

Integrins are important for cells to attach to their surroundings and communicate. This study looks at which integrins help rat brain cells (neurons) grow and survive in a dish. The researchers used a special plate with different integrin-binding peptides. They found that certain peptides, specifically those binding to αvβ8 and α5β1 integrins, helped the neurons grow best. These helpful peptides were also put in a gel to see if they could help neurons grow in 3D, like in the brain. The neurons grew well in the gel with the αvβ8 and α5β1 peptides, suggesting these could be useful for fixing brain injuries.

Study Duration

7 days

Participants

E18 rat primary cortical neurons

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Binding peptides for integrin αvβ8, α5β1 and α3β1 particularly the former two provided superior condition for neuronal growth, survival and maturation.
2
Optimal neurite outgrowth was observed when neurons were cultured in 3-dimension using injectable hydrogel along with binding peptide for αvβ8 or α5β1 integrins.
3
Significantly better neurite outgrowth per field was observed when cells were grown on binding peptides for α3β1, α5β1, or αvβ8.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effect of different integrin binding peptides for growth and development of primary cortical neurons in vitro using an integrin-binding array platform. The study identified that integrin αvβ8 and α5β1 are conducive for survival, growth and maturation of primary cortical neurons. The αvβ8 and α5β1 integrin-binding peptides supported neurite outgrowth of fetal rat primary cortical neurons in 3-D culture, suggesting their utility in functionalizing biomaterials for neural regeneration.

Practical Implications

Biomaterial Design

Integrin αvβ8 and α5β1 binding peptides can be incorporated into biomaterials to enhance neuronal growth and survival for neural regeneration.

Cell-Based Therapies

These findings can be utilized in designing combinational cell-based therapies for neural regeneration following brain injury.

Drug Discovery

The integrin-binding array platform can be used to screen for drugs that promote neuronal growth and survival through specific integrin pathways.

Study Limitations

1
The study was performed in vitro, and the results may not directly translate to in vivo conditions.
2
Only rat primary cortical neurons were used, and the findings may not be generalizable to other cell types or species.
3
The long-term effects of integrin binding peptide on neuronal function were not assessed.

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