title: Magnetic nanoparticle labeling of astrocytes derived for neural transplantation.
abstract: Astrocytes are a major transplant cell population to promote neural repair in a range of pathological conditions. In this context, the development of robust methods to label neural transplant populations (for subsequent detection and cell tracking in vivo) is key for translational applications. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP)-based vector systems offer a range of advantages for neural cell transplantation, notably, as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging, which allows for MNP-labeled cells to be detected using minimally invasive methods. Additionally, MNPs have other key features such as safety, the potential for linking with genetic material/drugs, and magnetic cell targeting. Therefore, MNPs can potentially be developed as a multipurpose nanoplatform for neural cell transplantation. The feasibility of labeling astrocytes derived for transplantation with MNPs has not been assessed to date. Here, we have established simple protocols to safely label astrocytes with MNPs; the survival and differentiation of labeled cells was assessed in three dimensional neural tissue arrays. Additionally, we have established the major mechanisms of MNP uptake by astrocytes.
authors.affiliation: 1 Cellular and Neural Engineering Group, Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University , Staffordshire, United Kingdom. m.r.pickard@biol.keele.ac.uk
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Pickard
authors.forename: Stuart I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Chris J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Koller
authors.forename: David N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Furness
authors.forename: Divya M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Chari
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002470:Cell Survival; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D004705:Endocytosis; D005260:Female; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000637:transplantation*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D058185:Magnetite Nanoparticles