Autocrine fibronectin from differentiating mesenchymal stem cells induces the neurite elongation in vitro and promotes nerve fiber regeneration in transected spinal cord injury

J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2016 · DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35720 · Published: April 4, 2016

Regenerative Medicine Neurology Biomedical

Simple Explanation

The study investigates the role of fibronectin (FN) secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in promoting nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. MSCs were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells in a three-dimensional culture system, and the effect of FN on their neurite elongation was examined. The study also explored whether FN enriched in the MSC implant would impact nerve fiber regeneration in a spinal cord transection model.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

In vitro and in vivo study

Key Findings

1
FN secreted by MSCs accumulated on the gelatin sponge scaffold and promoted neurite elongation of neuronal differentiating MSCs.
2
Blocking FN function with antibodies resulted in neuron-like cells with flattened cell bodies and shorter neurites, along with decreased expression of integrin b1.
3
In vivo transplantation of MSCs with autocrine FN significantly facilitated endogenous nerve fiber regeneration in a spinal cord transection model.

Research Summary

This study investigates the dynamic influence of autocrine ECM, specifically fibronectin (FN), on cell behavior and functional changes during cell development and neuronal process regeneration. The results demonstrate that FN secreted by MSCs accumulates on a gelatin sponge scaffold, promoting neurite elongation of neuronal differentiating MSCs and nerve fiber regeneration after spinal cord injury. The study suggests that autocrine FN has a dynamic influence on MSCs in a three-dimensional culture system and has potential application for treating traumatic spinal cord injury.

Practical Implications

Biomaterial Design

Consider FN accumulation when designing biomaterial scaffolds for tissue engineering, particularly for nerve regeneration.

Therapeutic Target

Autocrine FN may serve as a therapeutic target to promote nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury.

Cell Behavior

ECM adhesion significantly influences cell behavior during stem cell development and nerve fiber regeneration.

Study Limitations

1
The study primarily focuses on FN; other ECM components may also play a role.
2
The in vivo study is conducted in rats; results may not directly translate to humans.
3
The long-term effects of FN-mediated nerve regeneration were not assessed.

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