title: Schwann cells and neurite outgrowth from embryonic dorsal root ganglions are highly mechanosensitive.
abstract: Biochemical interactions between Schwann cells (SCs) and their substrate are crucial for the peripheral nervous systems (PNS). They are among the major parameters used in the design of nerve grafts for nerve injuries treatment, yet with unsatisfactory success despite pressing need worldwide. Mounting evidence demonstrates the fundamental physiological importance of mechanical cell-substrate interactions. Substrate stiffness modulates cell differentiation, development, maintenance and regeneration. Mechanosensitivity may therefore be a key parameter to advancing nerve graft research. However, very little is known about PNS mechanosensitivity. Here, we explore mechanosensitivity of SCs and embryonic dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) under constant biochemical conditions but varying substrate stiffness adjusted to their physiological-developmental nature. We found SC stiffness, morphology, adhesion, motility, and neurite outgrowth from DRGs to be strongly substrate stiffness-dependent. These initial observations refine our knowledge of PNS physiology, development and regeneration, and demonstrate promise for advancing nerve grafts.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physiology II, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Gonzalo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rosso
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physiology II, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Ivan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Liashkovich
authors.affiliation: Department of Sleep Medicine and Neuromuscular Disorders, Albert-Schweitzer, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Young
authors.affiliation: Department of Sleep Medicine and Neuromuscular Disorders, Albert-Schweitzer, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Dominik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Röhr
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physiology II, WWU Münster, Münster, Germany. Electronic address: shahin@uni-muenster.de.
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Shahin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D000071446:Neuronal Outgrowth; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012583:Schwann Cells
keywords: Atomic force microscopy; Mechanosensitivity; Nerve regeneration; Peripheral nervous system; Schwann cells