Anisotropic microtopography surface of chitosan scaffold regulating skin precursor-derived Schwann cells towards repair phenotype promotes neural regeneration

Regenerative Biomaterials, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/rb/rbae005 · Published: January 27, 2024

Simple Explanation

This study explores using a special film made of chitosan, a natural material, with tiny grooves on its surface, to help repair nerve damage. They focused on skin precursor-derived Schwann cells (SKP-SCs), which are similar to nerve cells. The SKP-SCs grown on the grooved film showed better alignment and behaved more like repairing Schwann cells. These cells also released substances that promote nerve regeneration. The substances released by the SKP-SCs on the film helped other nerve cells grow and move, suggesting this method could be useful for treating nerve injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (male) and green fluorescence protein (GFP)-positive transgenic male SD rats (male)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SKP-SCs cultured on 30lm size microgroove surface showed better oriented alignment phenotype.
2
Induced SKP-SCs presented similar genic phenotype as repair Schwann cells, increasing expression of c-Jun, neural cell adhesion molecule, and neurotrophic receptor p75.
3
SKP-SC-secretome was subjected to cytokine array GS67 assay, data indicated the regulation of paracrine phenotype

Research Summary

The study investigates the influence of micropatterned chitosan films on the polarization of rat skin precursor-derived Schwann cells (SKP-SCs), focusing on morphology, genic phenotype, and paracrine regulation. Results showed that SKP-SCs cultured on a 30lm microgroove surface exhibited better oriented alignment and increased expression of repair Schwann cell markers. The secretome from polarized SKP-SCs promoted the proliferation and migration of native Schwann cells and augmented neurite growth of motoneurons, suggesting a pro-neuroregenerative function.

Practical Implications

Engineered Cell-Scaffold Design

The study provides insights for designing engineered cell-scaffolds with anisotropic microtopography to promote Schwann-like cell phenotype regulation for neural injury therapies.

Paracrine Signaling Potential

The findings highlight the potential of anisotropic microtopography to enhance the paracrine effects of SKP-SCs, offering a strategy to promote neural regeneration through secreted factors.

Clinical Autograft Alternative

The combined chitosan substrate and Schwann-like cells could exhibit promotive neural regeneration, providing inspiration in the design of clinical scaffolds as potential replacements for autografts.

Study Limitations

1
Interactions between anisotropic topography and adhered SKP-SCs still require further exploration.
2
Whether the other contributors such as ECM components and EVs in SKP-SC-secretome might be influenced by topography contact guiding.
3
The in vivo efficacy and other underlying mechanisms were also worthy to be further investigated.

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