1
|
Wang ZZ, Sakiyama-Elbert SE. Matrices, scaffolds & carriers for cell delivery in nerve regeneration. Exp Neurol 2018; 319:112837. [PMID: 30291854 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nerve injuries can be life-long debilitating traumas that severely impact patients' quality of life. While many acellular neural scaffolds have been developed to aid the process of nerve regeneration, complete functional recovery is still very difficult to achieve, especially for long-gap peripheral nerve injury and most cases of spinal cord injury. Cell-based therapies have shown many promising results for improving nerve regeneration. With recent advances in neural tissue engineering, the integration of biomaterial scaffolds and cell transplantation are emerging as a more promising approach to enhance nerve regeneration. This review provides an overview of important considerations for designing cell-carrier biomaterial scaffolds. It also discusses current biomaterials used for scaffolds that provide permissive and instructive microenvironments for improved cell transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zhong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Austin at Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang ZZ, Wood MD, Mackinnon SE, Sakiyama-Elbert SE. A microfluidic platform to study the effects of GDNF on neuronal axon entrapment. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 308:183-191. [PMID: 30081039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One potential treatment strategy to enhance axon regeneration is transplanting Schwann Cells (SCs) that overexpress glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Unfortunately, constitutive GDNF overexpression in vivo can result in failure of regenerating axons to extend beyond the GDNF source, a phenomenon termed the "candy-store" effect. Little is known about the mechanism of this axon entrapment in vivo. NEW METHOD We present a reproducible in vitro culture platform using a microfluidic device to model axon entrapment and investigate mechanisms by which GDNF causes axon entrapment. The device is comprised of three culture chambers connected by two sets of microchannels, which prevent cell soma from moving between chambers but allow neurites to grow between chambers. Neurons from dorsal root ganglia were seeded in one end chamber while the effect of different conditions in the other two chambers was used to study neurite entrapment. RESULTS The results showed that GDNF-overexpressing SCs (G-SCs) can induce axon entrapment in vitro. We also found that while physiological levels of GDNF (100 ng/mL) promoted neurite extension, supra-physiological levels of GDNF (700 ng/mL) induced axon entrapment. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD All previous work related to the "candy-store" effect were done in vivo. Here, we report the first in vitro platform that can recapitulate the axonal entrapment and investigate the mechanism of the phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS This platform facilitates investigation of the "candy-store" effect and shows the effects of high GDNF concentrations on neurite outgrowth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze Zhong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Matthew D Wood
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Susan E Mackinnon
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ee X, Yan Y, Hunter DA, Schellhardt L, Sakiyama-Elbert SE, Mackinnon SE, Wood MD. Transgenic SCs expressing GDNF-IRES-DsRed impair nerve regeneration within acellular nerve allografts. Biotechnol Bioeng 2017; 114:2121-2130. [PMID: 28481001 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Providing temporally regulated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to injured nerve can promote robust axon regeneration. However, it is poorly understood why providing highly elevated levels of GDNF to nerve can lead to axon entrapment in the zone containing elevated GDNF. This limited understanding represents an obstacle to the translation of GDNF therapies to treat nerve injuries clinically. Here, we investigated how transgenic Schwann cells (SCs) overexpressing GDNF-IRES-DsRed impact nerve regeneration. Cultured primary SCs were transduced with lentiviruses (GDNF-overexpressing transgenic SCs), one of which provides the capability to express high levels of GDNF and regulate temporal GDNF expression. These SC groups were transplanted into acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) bridging a 14 mm rat sciatic nerve defect. GDNF-overexpressing transgenic SCs expressing GDNF for as little as 1 week decreased axon regeneration across ANAs and caused extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. To determine whether additional gene expression changes beyond GDNF transgene expression occurred in GDNF-overexpressing transgenic SCs, microarray analysis of GDNF-overexpressing transgenic SCs compared to untreated SCs was performed. Microarray analysis revealed a set of common genes regulated in transgenic SC groups expressing high levels of GDNF compared to untreated SCs. A co-culture model of GDNF-overexpressing transgenic SCs with fibroblasts (FBs) revealed differential FB ECM-related gene expression compared to untreated SCs. These data suggest a component of axon entrapment is independent of GDNF's impact on axons. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 2121-2130. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Ee
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110
| | - Ying Yan
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110
| | - Daniel A Hunter
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110
| | - Lauren Schellhardt
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110
| | - Shelly E Sakiyama-Elbert
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Susan E Mackinnon
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110
| | - Matthew D Wood
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8238, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marquardt LM, Ee X, Iyer N, Hunter D, Mackinnon SE, Wood MD, Sakiyama-Elbert SE. Finely Tuned Temporal and Spatial Delivery of GDNF Promotes Enhanced Nerve Regeneration in a Long Nerve Defect Model. Tissue Eng Part A 2016; 21:2852-64. [PMID: 26466815 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2015.0311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of growth factors, such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury has been useful in promoting axon survival and regeneration. Unfortunately, finding a method that delivers the appropriate spatial and temporal release profile to promote functional recovery has proven difficult. Some release methods result in burst release profiles too short to remain effective over the regeneration period; however, prolonged exposure to GDNF can result in axonal entrapment at the site of release. Thus, GDNF was delivered in both a spatially and temporally controlled manner using a two-phase system comprised of an affinity-based release system and conditional lentiviral GDNF overexpression from Schwann cells (SCs). Briefly, SCs were transduced with a tetracycline-inducible (Tet-On) GDNF overexpressing lentivirus before transplantation. Three-centimeter acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) were modified by injection of a GDNF-releasing fibrin scaffold under the epineurium and then used to bridge a 3 cm sciatic nerve defect. To encourage growth past the ANA, GDNF-SCs were transplanted into the distal nerve and doxycycline was administered for 4, 6, or 8 weeks to determine the optimal duration of GDNF expression in the distal nerve. Live imaging and histomorphometric analysis determined that 6 weeks of doxycycline treatment resulted in enhanced regeneration compared to 4 or 8 weeks. This enhanced regeneration resulted in increased gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle mass for animals receiving doxycycline for 6 weeks. The results of this study demonstrate that strategies providing spatial and temporal control of delivery can improve axonal regeneration and functional muscle reinnervation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Marquardt
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Xueping Ee
- 2 Divison of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nisha Iyer
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Daniel Hunter
- 2 Divison of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Susan E Mackinnon
- 2 Divison of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew D Wood
- 2 Divison of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Shelly E Sakiyama-Elbert
- 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis , St. Louis, Missouri.,2 Divison of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Poppler LH, Ee X, Schellhardt L, Hoben GM, Pan D, Hunter DA, Yan Y, Moore AM, Snyder-Warwick AK, Stewart SA, Mackinnon SE, Wood MD. Axonal Growth Arrests After an Increased Accumulation of Schwann Cells Expressing Senescence Markers and Stromal Cells in Acellular Nerve Allografts. Tissue Eng Part A 2016; 22:949-61. [PMID: 27297909 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) and other nerve constructs do not reliably facilitate axonal regeneration across long defects (>3 cm). Causes for this deficiency are poorly understood. In this study, we determined what cells are present within ANAs before axonal growth arrest in nerve constructs and if these cells express markers of cellular stress and senescence. Using the Thy1-GFP rat and serial imaging, we identified the time and location of axonal growth arrest in long (6 cm) ANAs. Axonal growth halted within long ANAs by 4 weeks, while axons successfully regenerated across short (3 cm) ANAs. Cellular populations and markers of senescence were determined using immunohistochemistry, histology, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining. Both short and long ANAs were robustly repopulated with Schwann cells (SCs) and stromal cells by 2 weeks. Schwann cells (S100β(+)) represented the majority of cells repopulating both ANAs. Overall, both ANAs demonstrated similar cellular populations with the exception of increased stromal cells (fibronectin(+)/S100β(-)/CD68(-) cells) in long ANAs. Characterization of ANAs for markers of cellular senescence revealed that long ANAs accumulated much greater levels of senescence markers and a greater percentage of Schwann cells expressing the senescence marker p16 compared to short ANAs. To establish the impact of the long ANA environment on axonal regeneration, short ANAs (2 cm) that would normally support axonal regeneration were generated from long ANAs near the time of axonal growth arrest ("stressed" ANAs). These stressed ANAs contained mainly S100β(+)/p16(+) cells and markedly reduced axonal regeneration. In additional experiments, removal of the distal portion (4 cm) of long ANAs near the time of axonal growth arrest and replacement with long isografts (4 cm) rescued axonal regeneration across the defect. Neuronal culture derived from nerve following axonal growth arrest in long ANAs revealed no deficits in axonal extension. Overall, this evidence demonstrates that long ANAs are repopulated with increased p16(+) Schwann cells and stromal cells compared to short ANAs, suggesting a role for these cells in poor axonal regeneration across nerve constructs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis H Poppler
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Xueping Ee
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lauren Schellhardt
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gwendolyn M Hoben
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Deng Pan
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Daniel A Hunter
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ying Yan
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Amy M Moore
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alison K Snyder-Warwick
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sheila A Stewart
- 2 Division of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Susan E Mackinnon
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew D Wood
- 1 Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine , St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tajdaran K, Gordon T, Wood MD, Shoichet MS, Borschel GH. A glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor delivery system enhances nerve regeneration across acellular nerve allografts. Acta Biomater 2016; 29:62-70. [PMID: 26441127 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Acellular nerve allografts (ANAs) are used clinically to bridge nerve gaps but these grafts, lacking Schwann cells and therapeutic levels of neurotrophic factors, do not support regeneration to the same extent as autografts. Here we investigated a local drug delivery system (DDS) for glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) controlled release to implanted ANAs in rats using drug-loaded polymeric microspheres (MSs) embedded in a fibrin gel. In a rat hindlimb nerve gap model, a 10mm ANA was used to bridge a 5mm common peroneal (CP) nerve gap. Experimental groups received DDS treatment at both suture sites of the allografts releasing GDNF for either 2 weeks or 4 weeks. In negative control groups, rats received no DDS treatment or empty DDS. Rats receiving nerve isografts served as the positive control group. The numbers of motor and sensory neurons that regenerated their axons in all the groups with GDNF MS and isograft treatment were indistinguishable and significantly higher as compared to the negative control groups. Nerve histology distal to the nerve graft demonstrated increased axon counts and a shift to larger fiber diameters due to GDNF MS treatment. The sustained delivery of GDNF to the implanted ANA achieved in this study demonstrates the promise of this DDS for the management of severe nerve injuries in which allografts are placed. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE This work addresses the common clinical situation in which a nerve gap is bridged using acellular nerve allografts. However, these allografts are not as effective in supporting nerve regeneration as the gold standard method of autografting. The novel local drug delivery system used in this study provides sustained and controlled release of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), one of the most potent neurotrophic factors, which significantly improves nerve regeneration following severe nerve injuries. Results from this research will provide a mean of improving nerve allografts with locally delivered GDNF. This strategy may lead to a novel "off the shelf" alternative to the current management of severe nerve injuries.
Collapse
|
7
|
Eggers R, Tannemaat MR, De Winter F, Malessy MJA, Verhaagen J. Clinical and neurobiological advances in promoting regeneration of the ventral root avulsion lesion. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:318-35. [PMID: 26415525 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Root avulsions due to traction to the brachial plexus causes complete and permanent loss of function. Until fairly recent, such lesions were considered impossible to repair. Here we review clinical repair strategies and current progress in experimental ventral root avulsion lesions. The current gold standard in patients with a root avulsion is nerve transfer, whereas reimplantation of the avulsed root into the spinal cord has been performed in a limited number of cases. These neurosurgical repair strategies have significant benefit for the patient but functional recovery remains incomplete. Developing new ways to improve the functional outcome of neurosurgical repair is therefore essential. In the laboratory, the molecular and cellular changes following ventral root avulsion and the efficacy of intervention strategies have been studied at the level of spinal motoneurons, the ventral spinal root and peripheral nerve, and the skeletal muscle. We present an overview of cell-based pharmacological and neurotrophic factor treatment approaches that have been applied in combination with surgical reimplantation. These interventions all demonstrate neuroprotective effects on avulsed motoneurons, often accompanied with various degrees of axonal regeneration. However, effects on survival are usually transient and robust axon regeneration over long distances has as yet not been achieved. Key future areas of research include finding ways to further extend the post-lesion survival period of motoneurons, the identification of neuron-intrinsic factors which can promote persistent and long-distance axon regeneration, and finally prolonging the pro-regenerative state of Schwann cells in the distal nerve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Eggers
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Tannemaat
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Fred De Winter
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J A Malessy
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognition research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tajdaran K, Gordon T, Wood MD, Shoichet MS, Borschel GH. An engineered biocompatible drug delivery system enhances nerve regeneration after delayed repair. J Biomed Mater Res A 2015; 104:367-76. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kasra Tajdaran
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; the Hospital for Sick Children; 555 University Ave Toronto Ontario M5G1X8 Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Tessa Gordon
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; the Hospital for Sick Children; 555 University Ave Toronto Ontario M5G1X8 Canada
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Program in Neuroscience, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Mathew D. Wood
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis Missouri
| | - Molly S. Shoichet
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Gregory H. Borschel
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; the Hospital for Sick Children; 555 University Ave Toronto Ontario M5G1X8 Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario Canada
- Program in Neuroscience, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute; Toronto Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hoyng SA, De Winter F, Gnavi S, de Boer R, Boon LI, Korvers LM, Tannemaat MR, Malessy MJ, Verhaagen J. A comparative morphological, electrophysiological and functional analysis of axon regeneration through peripheral nerve autografts genetically modified to overexpress BDNF, CNTF, GDNF, NGF, NT3 or VEGF. Exp Neurol 2014; 261:578-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|