title: Nano-topology guided neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells is mediated by miRNAs.
abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are master regulators of gene expression at post-transcriptional level. The present study investigated the involvement of miRNAs in topological guidance of neurite outgrowth in an NGF treated PC12 cell model cultured on nano-patterned polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates fabricated with interference lithography. The expressions of 38 neuronal miRNAs were measured and 3 were found to be differentially regulated during topological guidance of neurite outgrowth. Altering the intracellular levels of these miRNAs disrupted the orderly growth of neurite along nano-patterned substrate. Our results showed miRNAs to be versatile regulators and their involvement should be thoroughly investigated for better understanding of biological processes.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In this basic science study, strong evidence was found that topological guidance is only one factor, and miRNA-s regulate axonal outgrowth from neurites. Nano-patterned polyethylene terephthalate substrates were used for the study, fabricated using interference lithography. Further studies of this biologically relevant process may pave the way to clinically useful axonal regrowth and axonal guidance methods.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano-Systems Programme, Singapore-MIT Alliance, Singapore.
authors.forename: He
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Lihan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Bihan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Mei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: heng-phon_too@nuhs.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Heng-Phon
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Too
authors.affiliation: Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano-Systems Programme, Singapore-MIT Alliance, Singapore; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore. Electronic address: elechoi@nus.edu.sg.
authors.forename: Wee Kiong
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D016501:Neurites / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D016716:PC12 Cells; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates
keywords: MicroRNAs; Nano-topology; Neurite; PC12