Cell-cell interactions of human neural progenitor-derived astrocytes within a microstructured 3D-scaffold.
In the present in vitro study, the axon growth promoting effects of human neural progenitor-derived astrocytes (hNP-AC) were investigated in simple 2D- as well as in more complex 3D-culture systems. The interactions of the hNP-AC with migrating Schwann cells and fibroblasts were also studied. hNP-AC were found to promote extensive dorsal root ganglion axon regeneration in 2D cultures, being even greater than that observed on the positive control, laminin-coated substrate. Contact-mediated mechanisms and the release of substances into the medium both played a role in supporting axon regeneration. Following seeding onto 3D collagen scaffolds, hNP-AC also promoted significantly greater axon regeneration from DRG explants than was seen on non-seeded scaffolds. The highly orientated, porous microstructure of the scaffold also supported substantial intermixing of hNP-AC and migrating Schwann cells/fibroblasts from the DRG explant, cell populations that are normally mutually repulsive. This suggests that the topography of 3D scaffolds may not only influence cell-substrate interactions but also cell-cell interactions within the scaffold. This opens the possibility that the design of future scaffolds could be optimised to enhance cell integration as well as modulating complex cell-cell interactions.
Führmann
Tobias
T
Institute for Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. tobias.fuehrmann@rwth-aachen.de
Hillen
Lisa M
LM
Montzka
Katrin
K
Wöltje
Michael
M
Brook
Gary A
GA
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology*; D051381:Rats; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015415:Biomarkers