Metal-organic framework materials promote neural differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in spinal cord injury

Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-023-02001-2 · Published: July 12, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

This study explores the use of zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF-8) to promote neural differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. DPSCs are ideal seed cells for SCI treatment because they are more easily differentiated in nerve direction and express more neurotrophic factors. The study found that ZIF-8 enhances neural differentiation and angiogenesis of DPSCs by activating the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In addition, ZIF-8 can help DPSCs resist apoptosis induced by Zn2+ deprivation and improve the survival rate of DPSCs. The therapeutic approach of ZIF-8 carried by DPSCs showed a favorable therapeutic effect in a rat SCI model, suggesting ZIF-8 is a promising transport nanomaterial for nerve repair. When ZIF-8-DPSCs@GelMA was implanted into the SCI site, ZIF-8 compensated for the Zn2+ loss caused by injury.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

30 female Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
ZIF-8 promotes neural differentiation and angiogenesis of DPSCs by activating the JNK1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway through the continuous release of Zn2+.
2
ZIF-8 can help DPSCs resist apoptosis induced by Zn2+ deprivation and improve the survival rate of DPSCs in the damaged microenvironment.
3
In vivo experiments showed that ZIF-8 combined with DPSCs and GelMA hydrogel promoted the recovery of motor function in SCI rats and improved neural recovery.

Research Summary

This study investigates the use of ZIF-8 nanoparticles to promote neural differentiation of DPSCs for SCI treatment. The zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF-8) is usually used as a drug and gene delivery carrier, which can release Zn2+ sustainedly in acidic environment. The key findings indicate that ZIF-8 promotes neural differentiation and angiogenesis of DPSCs by activating the MAPK signaling pathway, and helps DPSCs resist apoptosis induced by Zn2+ deprivation. ZIF-8 promotes neural differentiation and angiogenesis of DPSCs by activating the JNK1/p38 MAPK pathways. In vivo experiments demonstrated that ZIF-8 combined with DPSCs and GelMA hydrogel effectively promoted the recovery of motor function in SCI rats, suggesting ZIF-8 is a promising transport nanomaterial for nerve repair.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

ZIF-8 could be used as a carrier to promote stem cell neural differentiation.

Zn2+ Delivery

ZIF-8 can compensate for Zn2+ loss caused by injury and promote nerve regeneration.

Clinical Applications

These findings provide evidence for the future application of ZIF-8 as a tool involved in nerve injury repair.

Study Limitations

1
The exact mechanism of ZIF-8 action is not entirely dependent on the release of Zn2+
2
Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and potential side effects of ZIF-8-DPSCs in vivo.
3
Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the role of the MAPK family in neural differentiation of stem cells.

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