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Choi J, Lee EJ, Jang WB, Kwon SM. Development of Biocompatible 3D-Printed Artificial Blood Vessels through Multidimensional Approaches. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:497. [PMID: 37888162 PMCID: PMC10607080 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14100497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the human body, the intricate network of blood vessels plays a pivotal role in transporting nutrients and oxygen and maintaining homeostasis. Bioprinting is an innovative technology with the potential to revolutionize this field by constructing complex multicellular structures. This technique offers the advantage of depositing individual cells, growth factors, and biochemical signals, thereby facilitating the growth of functional blood vessels. Despite the challenges in fabricating vascularized constructs, bioprinting has emerged as an advance in organ engineering. The continuous evolution of bioprinting technology and biomaterial knowledge provides an avenue to overcome the hurdles associated with vascularized tissue fabrication. This article provides an overview of the biofabrication process used to create vascular and vascularized constructs. It delves into the various techniques used in vascular engineering, including extrusion-, droplet-, and laser-based bioprinting methods. Integrating these techniques offers the prospect of crafting artificial blood vessels with remarkable precision and functionality. Therefore, the potential impact of bioprinting in vascular engineering is significant. With technological advances, it holds promise in revolutionizing organ transplantation, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. By mimicking the natural complexity of blood vessels, bioprinting brings us one step closer to engineering organs with functional vasculature, ushering in a new era of medical advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoo Choi
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (E.J.L.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Lee
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (E.J.L.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Bi Jang
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (E.J.L.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mo Kwon
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Physiology, Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (J.C.); (E.J.L.)
- Convergence Stem Cell Research Center, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea
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Kim SJ, Kim JE, Choe G, Song DH, Kim SJ, Kim TH, Yoo J, Kim SH, Jung Y. Self-assembled peptide-substance P hydrogels alleviate inflammation and ameliorate the cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis. Biomater Res 2023; 27:40. [PMID: 37143133 PMCID: PMC10161637 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00387-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-assembled peptide (SAP)-substance P (SP) hydrogels can be retained in the joint cavity longer than SP alone, and they can alleviate inflammation and ameliorate cartilage regeneration in knee osteoarthritis (OA). We conducted a preclinical study using diverse animal models of OA and an in vitro study using human synoviocytes and patient-derived synovial fluids to demonstrate the effect of SAP-SP complex on the inflammation and cartilage regeneration. METHODS Surgical induction OA model was prepared with New Zealand white female rabbits and chemical induction, and naturally occurring OA models were prepared using Dunkin Hartely female guinea pigs. The SAP-SP complex or control (SAP, SP, or saline) was injected into the joint cavities in each model. We performed micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) analysis, histological evaluation, immunofluorescent analysis, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and analyzed the recruitment of intrinsic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), macrophage activity, and inflammatory cytokine in each OA model. Human synoviocytes were cultured in synovial fluid extracted from human OA knee joints injected with SAP-SP complexes or other controls. Proliferative capacity and inflammatory cytokine levels were analyzed. RESULTS Alleviation of inflammation, inhibition of apoptosis, and enhancement of intrinsic MSCs have been established in the SAP-SP group in diverse animal models. Furthermore, the inflammatory effects on human samples were examined in synoviocytes and synovial fluid from patients with OA. In this study, we observed that SAP-SP showed anti-inflammatory action in OA conditions and increased cartilage regeneration by recruiting intrinsic MSCs, inhibiting progression of OA. CONCLUSIONS These therapeutic effects have been validated in diverse OA models, including rabbits, Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs, and human synoviocytes. Therefore, we propose that SAP-SP may be an effective injectable therapeutic agent for treating OA. In this manuscript, we report a preclinical study of novel self-assembled peptide (SAP)-substance P (SP) hydrogels with diverse animal models and human synoviocytes and it displays anti-inflammatory effects, apoptosis inhibition, intrinsic mesenchymal stem cells recruitments and cartilage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Jun Kim
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul Jun Rehabilitation Clinic and Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Goeun Choe
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hyun Song
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul Jun Rehabilitation Clinic and Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Jeong Kim
- Stem Cell Institute, ENCell Co. Ltd, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cell and Gene Therapy Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hee Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Yoo
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmee Jung
- Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, YU-KIST Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Li J, Zhuo N, Zhang J, Sun Q, Si J, Wang K, Zhi D. The loading of C-type natriuretic peptides improved hemocompatibility and vascular regeneration of electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) grafts. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:304-316. [PMID: 36002127 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
As a result of thrombosis or intimal hyperplasia, synthetic artificial vascular grafts had a low success rate when they were used to replace small-diameter arteries (inner diameter < 6 mm). C-type natriuretic peptides (CNP) have anti-thrombotic effects, and can promote endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) over-growth. In this study, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) vascular grafts loaded with CNP (PCL-CNP) were constructed by electrospinning. The PCL-CNP grafts were able to continuously release CNP at least 25 days in vitro. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing showed that the loading of CNP did not change the microstructure and mechanical properties of the PCL grafts. In vitro blood compatibility analysis displayed that PCL-CNP grafts could inhibit thrombin activity and reduce platelet adhesion and activation. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that PCL-CNP grafts activated ERK1/2 and Akt signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), as well as increased cyclin D1 expression, enhanced proliferation and migration, and increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and nitric oxide (NO) production. The rabbit arteriovenous (AV)-shunt ex vitro indicated that CNP loading significantly improved the antithrombogenicity of PCL grafts. The assessment of vascular grafts in rat abdominal aorta implantation model displayed that PCL-CNP grafts promoted the regeneration of ECs and contractile SMCs, modulated macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotype, and enhanced extracellular matrix remodeling. These findings confirmed for the first time that loading CNP is an effective approach to improve the hemocompatibility and vascular regeneration of synthetic vascular grafts. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: : Small-diameter (< 6 mm) vascular grafts (SDVGs) have not been made clinically available due to their prevalence of thrombosis, limited endothelial regeneration and intimal hyperplasia. The incorporation of bioactive molecules into SDVGs serves as an effective solution to improve hemocompatibility and endothelialization. In this study, for the first time, we loaded C-type natriuretic peptides (CNP) into PCL grafts by electrospunning and confirmed the effectiveness of loading CNP on improving the hemocompatibility and vascular regeneration of artificial vascular grafts. Regenerative advantages included enhancement of endothelialization, modulation of macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotypes, and improved contractile smooth muscle cell regeneration. Our investigation brings attention to CNP as a valuable bioactive molecule for modifying cardiovascular biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China.
| | - Na Zhuo
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Jingai Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Qiqi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jianghua Si
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Dengke Zhi
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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Zhao P, Fang Q, Gao D, Wang Q, Cheng Y, Ao Q, Wang X, Tian X, Zhang Y, Tong H, Yan N, Hu X, Fan J. Klotho functionalization on vascular graft for improved patency and endothelialization. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2022; 133:112630. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.112630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Yuan Z, Ren Y, Shafiq M, Chen Y, Tang H, Li B, El-Newehy M, El-Hamshary H, Morsi Y, Zheng H, Mo X. Converging 3D Printing and Electrospinning: Effect of Poly(l-lactide)/Gelatin Based Short Nanofibers Aerogels on Tracheal Regeneration. Macromol Biosci 2021; 22:e2100342. [PMID: 34706143 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recently, various tissue engineering based strategies have been pursued for the regeneration of tracheal tissues. However, previously developed tracheal scaffolds do not accurately mimic the microstructure and mechanical behavior of the native trachea, which restrict their clinical translation. Here, tracheal scaffolds are fabricated by using 3D printing and short nanofibers (SF) dispersion of poly(l-lactide)/gelatin (0.5-1.5 wt%) to afford tracheal constructs. The results display that the scaffolds containing 1.0 wt % of SF exhibit low density, good water absorption capacity, reasonable degradation rate, and stable mechanical properties, which were comparable to the native trachea. Moreover, the designed scaffolds possess good biocompatibility and promote the growth and infiltration of chondrocytes in vitro. The biocompatibility of tracheal scaffolds is further assessed after subcutaneous implantation in mice for up to 4 and 8 weeks. Histological assessment of tracheal constructs explanted at week 4 shows that scaffolds can maintain their structural integrity and support the formation of neo-vessels. Furthermore, cell-scaffold constructs gradually form cartilage-like tissues, which mature with time. Collectively, these engineered tracheal scaffolds not only possess appropriate mechanical properties to afford a stabilized structure but also a biomimetic extracellular matrix-like structure to accomplish tissue regeneration, which may have broad implications for tracheal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Yuan
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Yijiu Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Shafiq
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Hai Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Baojie Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
| | - Mohamed El-Newehy
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hany El-Hamshary
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yosry Morsi
- Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Boroondara, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xiumei Mo
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, P. R. China
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Lee J, Park D, Seo Y, Chung JJ, Jung Y, Kim SH. Organ-Level Functional 3D Tissue Constructs with Complex Compartments and their Preclinical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2002096. [PMID: 33103834 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202002096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in organ-level 3D tissue constructs, owing to their mirroring of in vivo-like features. This has resulted in a wide range of preclinical applications to obtain cell- or tissue-specific responses. Additionally, the development and improvement of sophisticated technologies, such as organoid generation, microfluidics, hydrogel engineering, and 3D printing, have enhanced 3D tissue constructs to become more elaborate. In particular, recent studies have focused on including complex compartments, i.e., vascular and innervation structured 3D tissue constructs, which mimic the nature of the human body in that all tissues/organs are interconnected and physiological phenomena are mediated through vascular and neural systems. Here, the strategies are categorized according to the number of dimensions (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D) of the starting materials for scaling up, and novel approaches to introduce increased complexity in 3D tissue constructs are highlighted. Recent advances in preclinical applications are also investigated to gain insight into the future direction of 3D tissue construct research. Overcoming the challenges in improving organ-level functional 3D tissue constructs both in vitro and in vivo will ultimately become a life-saving tool in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseo Lee
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Stem Cell Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - DoYeun Park
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biomaterials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoojin Seo
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Justin J Chung
- Biomaterials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmee Jung
- Biomaterials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- Biomaterials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
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Zhao J, Feng Y. Surface Engineering of Cardiovascular Devices for Improved Hemocompatibility and Rapid Endothelialization. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000920. [PMID: 32833323 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular devices have been widely applied in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, poor hemocompatibility and slow endothelialization on their surface still exist. Numerous surface engineering strategies have mainly sought to modify the device surface through physical, chemical, and biological approaches to improve surface hemocompatibility and endothelialization. The alteration of physical characteristics and pattern topographies brings some hopeful outcomes and plays a notable role in this respect. The chemical and biological approaches can provide potential signs of success in the endothelialization of vascular device surfaces. They usually involve therapeutic drugs, specific peptides, adhesive proteins, antibodies, growth factors and nitric oxide (NO) donors. The gene engineering can enhance the proliferation, growth, and migration of vascular cells, thus boosting the endothelialization. In this review, the surface engineering strategies are highlighted and summarized to improve hemocompatibility and rapid endothelialization on the cardiovascular devices. The potential outlook is also briefly discussed to help guide endothelialization strategies and inspire further innovations. It is hoped that this review can assist with the surface engineering of cardiovascular devices and promote future advancements in this emerging research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Yaguan Road 135 Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
| | - Yakai Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology Tianjin University Yaguan Road 135 Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Chemical Engineering (Tianjin) Yaguan Road 135 Tianjin 300350 P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education) Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 P. R. China
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Abstract
Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are considered one of the most effective means of fabricating vascular grafts. However, for small-diameter TEVGs, there are ongoing issues regarding long-term patency and limitations related to long-term in vitro culture and immune reactions. The use of acellular TEVG is a more convincing method, which can achieve in situ blood vessel regeneration and better meet clinical needs. This review focuses on the current state of acellular TEVGs based on scaffolds and gives a summary of the methodologies and in vitro/in vivo test results related to acellular TEVGs obtained in recent years. Various strategies for improving the properties of acellular TEVGs are also discussed.
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Perry KJ, Hamilton PW, Sonam S, Singh R, Henry JJ. The role of sensory innervation in cornea-lens regeneration. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:530-544. [PMID: 30993812 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous sensory nerves in the cornea contribute to normal tissue homeostasis. Interestingly, cells within the basal corneal epithelium can regenerate new lenses in the frog, Xenopus. In this study, we investigated whether cornea sensory nerves or their neuropeptides are important for supporting cornea-lens regeneration. RESULTS Attempts to sever the trigeminal nerve trunk, which provides sensory nerve branches to the cornea, did not inhibit lens regeneration. However, using this approach we found that it was not possible to completely disrupt sensory innervation, as these nerves are able to quickly regenerate back to the cornea. On the other hand, attenuation of neuropeptide levels with capsaicin was found to significantly inhibit lens regeneration, as visualized by a reduction of Substance P. These treatments also led to a reduction of cornea sensory innervation. Interestingly, inhibition of the Substance P-preferred receptor NK-1 with Spantide II did not affect lens-regeneration rates. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that cornea nerves support cornea-lens regeneration, which could occur through the release of various neurotrophic factors. Substance P, however, does not appear to be the critical component of this signaling pathway. Further studies are needed to investigate what role other known neurotrophic factors may play in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Perry
- University of Illinois, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Paul W Hamilton
- Illinois College, Department of Biology, Jacksonville, Illinois
| | - Surabhi Sonam
- University of Illinois, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- University of Illinois, Department of Comparative Biosciences, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Jonathan J Henry
- University of Illinois, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Urbana, Illinois
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