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Chen S, Wang H, Yang P, Chen S, Ho C, Yang P, Kao Y, Liu S, Chiu H, Lin Y, Chuang E, Huang J, Kao H, Huang C. Schwann cells acquire a repair phenotype after assembling into spheroids and show enhanced in vivo therapeutic potential for promoting peripheral nerve repair. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10635. [PMID: 38435829 PMCID: PMC10905550 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for postinjury peripheral nerve regeneration remains suboptimal. Although transplantation of exogenous Schwann cells (SCs) has been considered a promising treatment to promote nerve repair, this strategy has been hampered in practice by the limited availability of SC sources and an insufficient postengraftment cell retention rate. In this study, to address these challenges, SCs were aggregated into spheroids before being delivered to an injured rat sciatic nerve. We found that the three-dimensional aggregation of SCs induced their acquisition of a repair phenotype, as indicated by enhanced levels of c-Jun expression/activation and decreased expression of myelin sheath protein. Furthermore, our in vitro results demonstrated the superior potential of the SC spheroid-derived secretome in promoting neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons, enhancing the proliferation and migration of endogenous SCs, and recruiting macrophages. Moreover, transplantation of SC spheroids into rats after sciatic nerve transection effectively increased the postinjury nerve structure restoration and motor functional recovery rates, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of SC spheroids. In summary, transplantation of preassembled SC spheroids may hold great potential for enhancing the cell delivery efficiency and the resultant therapeutic outcome, thereby improving SC-based transplantation approaches for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih‐Heng Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
- School of MedicineCollege of Medicine, Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Hsin‐Wen Wang
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Pei‐Ching Yang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Shih‐Shien Chen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Chia‐Hsin Ho
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Pei‐Ching Yang
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Ying‐Chi Kao
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Shao‐Wen Liu
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Han Chiu
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Yu‐Jie Lin
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Er‐Yuan Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, International Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Cell Physiology and Molecular Image Research CenterTaipei Medical University–Wan Fang HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Jen‐Huang Huang
- Department of Chemical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
| | - Huang‐Kai Kao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryLinkou Chang Gung Memorial HospitalTaoyuanTaiwan
- School of MedicineCollege of Medicine, Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Chieh‐Cheng Huang
- Institute of Biomedical EngineeringNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
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2
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Mehrotra P, Jablonski J, Toftegard J, Zhang Y, Shahini S, Wang J, Hung CW, Ellis R, Kayal G, Rajabian N, Liu S, Roballo K, Udin SB, Andreadis ST, Personius KE. Skeletal muscle reprogramming enhances reinnervation after peripheral nerve injury. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3463557. [PMID: 38260278 PMCID: PMC10802751 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3463557/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral Nerve Injuries (PNI) affect more than 20 million Americans and severely impact quality of life by causing long-term disability. The onset of PNI is characterized by nerve degeneration distal to the nerve injury resulting in long periods of skeletal muscle denervation. During this period, muscle fibers atrophy and frequently become incapable of "accepting" innervation because of the slow speed of axon regeneration post injury. We hypothesize that reprogramming the skeletal muscle to an embryonic-like state may preserve its reinnervation capability following PNI. To this end, we generated a mouse model in which NANOG, a pluripotency-associated transcription factor can be expressed locally upon delivery of doxycycline (Dox) in a polymeric vehicle. NANOG expression in the muscle upregulated the percentage of Pax7+ nuclei and expression of eMYHC along with other genes that are involved in muscle development. In a sciatic nerve transection model, NANOG expression led to upregulation of key genes associated with myogenesis, neurogenesis and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation, and downregulation of key muscle atrophy genes. Further, NANOG mice demonstrated extensive overlap between synaptic vesicles and NMJ acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) indicating restored innervation. Indeed, NANOG mice showed greater improvement in motor function as compared to wild-type (WT) animals, as evidenced by improved toe-spread reflex, EMG responses and isometric force production. In conclusion, we demonstrate that reprogramming the muscle can be an effective strategy to improve reinnervation and functional outcomes after PNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pihu Mehrotra
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - James Jablonski
- Department of Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - John Toftegard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, NY, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Shahryar Shahini
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Carey W Hung
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Reilly Ellis
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Gabriella Kayal
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Nika Rajabian
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Kelly Roballo
- Biomedical Affairs and Research, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Susan B. Udin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University at Buffalo, Amherst, NY 14203, USA
| | - Stelios T. Andreadis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, NY, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
- Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Center for Cell, Gene and Tissue Engineering (CGTE), University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Kirkwood E. Personius
- Department of Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
- Center for Cell, Gene and Tissue Engineering (CGTE), University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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3
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Allgood JE, Roballo KCS, Sparks BB, Bushman JS. The effects of graft source and orientation on outcomes after ablation of a branched peripheral nerve. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1055490. [DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1055490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Segmental peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are the most common cause of enduring nervous system dysfunction. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) has an extensive and highly branching organization. While much is known about the factors that affect regeneration through sharp bisections and linear ablations of peripheral nerves, very little has been investigated or documented about PNIs that ablate branch points. Such injuries present additional complexity compared to linear segmental defects. This study compared outcomes following ablation of a branch point with branched grafts, specifically examining how graft source and orientation of the branched graft contributed to regeneration. The model system was Lewis rats that underwent a 2.5 cm ablation that started in the sciatic nerve trunk and included the peroneal/tibial branch point. Rats received grafts that were rat sciatic autograft, inbred sciatic allograft, and inbred femoral allograft, each of which was a branched graft of 2.5 cm. Allografts were obtained from Lewis rats, which is an inbred strain. Both branches of the sciatic grafts were mixed motor and sensory while the femoral grafts were smaller in diameter than sciatic grafts and one branch of the femoral graft is sensory and the other motor. All branched grafts were sutured into the defect in two orientations dictated by which branch in the graft was sutured to the tibial vs peroneal stumps in recipients. Outcome measures include compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) and CatWalk gait analysis throughout the recovery period, with toluidine blue for intrinsic nerve morphometry and retrograde labeling conducted at the 36-week experimental end point. Results indicate that graft source and orientation does play a significant role earlier in the regenerative process but by 36 weeks all groups showed very similar indications of regeneration across multiple outcomes.
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Bittner GD, Bushman JS, Ghergherehchi CL, Roballo KCS, Shores JT, Smith TA. Typical and atypical properties of peripheral nerve allografts enable novel strategies to repair segmental-loss injuries. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:60. [PMID: 35227261 PMCID: PMC8886977 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWe review data showing that peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) that involve the loss of a nerve segment are the most common type of traumatic injury to nervous systems. Segmental-loss PNIs have a poor prognosis compared to other injuries, especially when one or more mixed motor/sensory nerves are involved and are typically the major source of disability associated with extremities that have sustained other injuries. Relatively little progress has been made, since the treatment of segmental loss PNIs with cable autografts that are currently the gold standard for repair has slow and incomplete (often non-existent) functional recovery. Viable peripheral nerve allografts (PNAs) to repair segmental-loss PNIs have not been experimentally or clinically useful due to their immunological rejection, Wallerian degeneration (WD) of anucleate donor graft and distal host axons, and slow regeneration of host axons, leading to delayed re-innervation and producing atrophy or degeneration of distal target tissues. However, two significant advances have recently been made using viable PNAs to repair segmental-loss PNIs: (1) hydrogel release of Treg cells that reduce the immunological response and (2) PEG-fusion of donor PNAs that reduce the immune response, reduce and/or suppress much WD, immediately restore axonal conduction across the donor graft and re-innervate many target tissues, and restore much voluntary behavioral functions within weeks, sometimes to levels approaching that of uninjured nerves. We review the rather sparse cellular/biochemical data for rejection of conventional PNAs and their acceptance following Treg hydrogel and PEG-fusion of PNAs, as well as cellular and systemic data for their acceptance and remarkable behavioral recovery in the absence of tissue matching or immune suppression. We also review typical and atypical characteristics of PNAs compared with other types of tissue or organ allografts, problems and potential solutions for PNA use and storage, clinical implications and commercial availability of PNAs, and future possibilities for PNAs to repair segmental-loss PNIs.
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5
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Roballo KCS, Gigley JP, Smith TA, Bittner GD, Bushman JS. Functional and immunological peculiarities of peripheral nerve allografts. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:721-727. [PMID: 34472457 PMCID: PMC8530136 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.322445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the accumulating evidence that live (not decellularized) allogeneic peripheral nerves are functionally and immunologically peculiar in comparison with many other transplanted allogeneic tissues. This is relevant because live peripheral nerve allografts are very effective at promoting recovery after segmental peripheral nerve injury via axonal regeneration and axon fusion. Understanding the immunological peculiarities of peripheral nerve allografts may also be of interest to the field of transplantation in general. Three topics are addressed: The first discusses peripheral nerve injury and the potential utility of peripheral nerve allografts for bridging segmental peripheral nerve defects via axon fusion and axon regeneration. The second reviews evidence that peripheral nerve allografts elicit a more gradual and less severe host immune response allowing for prolonged survival and function of allogeneic peripheral nerve cells and structures. Lastly, potential mechanisms that may account for the immunological differences of peripheral nerve allografts are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason P Gigley
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Tyler A Smith
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - George D Bittner
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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6
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Patel NP, Lyon KA, Huang JH. An update-tissue engineered nerve grafts for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13. [PMID: 29862995 PMCID: PMC5998615 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.232458&set/a 867090256+860769923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are caused by a range of etiologies and result in a broad spectrum of disability. While nerve autografts are the current gold standard for the reconstruction of extensive nerve damage, the limited supply of autologous nerve and complications associated with harvesting nerve from a second surgical site has driven groups from multiple disciplines, including biomedical engineering, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery, to develop a suitable or superior alternative to autografting. Over the last couple of decades, various types of scaffolds, such as acellular nerve grafts (ANGs), nerve guidance conduits, and non-nervous tissues, have been filled with Schwann cells, stem cells, and/or neurotrophic factors to develop tissue engineered nerve grafts (TENGs). Although these have shown promising effects on peripheral nerve regeneration in experimental models, the autograft has remained the gold standard for large nerve gaps. This review provides a discussion of recent advances in the development of TENGs and their efficacy in experimental models. Specifically, TENGs have been enhanced via incorporation of genetically engineered cells, methods to improve stem cell survival and differentiation, optimized delivery of neurotrophic factors via drug delivery systems (DDS), co-administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and pretreatment with chondroitinase ABC (Ch-ABC). Other notable advancements include conduits that have been bioengineered to mimic native nerve structure via cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and the development of transplantable living nervous tissue constructs from rat and human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Grafts composed of non-nervous tissues, such as vein, artery, and muscle, will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristopher A Lyon
- Texas A&M College of Medicine; Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Jason H Huang
- Texas A&M College of Medicine; Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX, USA
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7
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O'Rourke C, Day AGE, Murray-Dunning C, Thanabalasundaram L, Cowan J, Stevanato L, Grace N, Cameron G, Drake RAL, Sinden J, Phillips JB. An allogeneic 'off the shelf' therapeutic strategy for peripheral nerve tissue engineering using clinical grade human neural stem cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2951. [PMID: 29440680 PMCID: PMC5811594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20927-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial tissues constructed from therapeutic cells offer a promising approach for improving the treatment of severe peripheral nerve injuries. In this study the effectiveness of using CTX0E03, a conditionally immortalised human neural stem cell line, as a source of allogeneic cells for constructing living artificial nerve repair tissue was tested. CTX0E03 cells were differentiated then combined with collagen to form engineered neural tissue (EngNT-CTX), stable aligned sheets of cellular hydrogel. EngNT-CTX sheets were delivered within collagen tubes to repair a 12 mm sciatic nerve injury model in athymic nude rats. Autologous nerve grafts (autografts) and empty tubes were used for comparison. After 8 weeks functional repair was assessed using electrophysiology. Further, detailed histological and electron microscopic analysis of the repaired nerves was performed. Results indicated that EngNT-CTX supported growth of neurites and vasculature through the injury site and facilitated reinnervation of the target muscle. These findings indicate for the first time that a clinically validated allogeneic neural stem cell line can be used to construct EngNT. This provides a potential 'off the shelf' tissue engineering solution for the treatment of nerve injury, overcoming the limitations associated with nerve autografts or the reliance on autologous cells for populating repair constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C O'Rourke
- Department of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, London, UK
| | - A G E Day
- Department of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, London, UK
| | - C Murray-Dunning
- Department of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - L Thanabalasundaram
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, London, UK
- ReNeuron, Pencoed, Bridgend, Wales, UK
| | - J Cowan
- Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, UK
| | | | - N Grace
- Sartorius Stedim Biotech, Royston, UK
| | - G Cameron
- Sartorius Stedim Biotech, Royston, UK
| | | | - J Sinden
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, London, UK
- ReNeuron, Pencoed, Bridgend, Wales, UK
| | - J B Phillips
- Department of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK.
- UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, London, UK.
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK.
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8
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Huang J, Patel N, Lyon K. An update–tissue engineered nerve grafts for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries. Neural Regen Res 2018. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.232458
expr 973353844 + 912195704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
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9
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Patel NP, Lyon KA, Huang JH. An update-tissue engineered nerve grafts for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:764-774. [PMID: 29862995 PMCID: PMC5998615 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.232458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are caused by a range of etiologies and result in a broad spectrum of disability. While nerve autografts are the current gold standard for the reconstruction of extensive nerve damage, the limited supply of autologous nerve and complications associated with harvesting nerve from a second surgical site has driven groups from multiple disciplines, including biomedical engineering, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery, to develop a suitable or superior alternative to autografting. Over the last couple of decades, various types of scaffolds, such as acellular nerve grafts (ANGs), nerve guidance conduits, and non-nervous tissues, have been filled with Schwann cells, stem cells, and/or neurotrophic factors to develop tissue engineered nerve grafts (TENGs). Although these have shown promising effects on peripheral nerve regeneration in experimental models, the autograft has remained the gold standard for large nerve gaps. This review provides a discussion of recent advances in the development of TENGs and their efficacy in experimental models. Specifically, TENGs have been enhanced via incorporation of genetically engineered cells, methods to improve stem cell survival and differentiation, optimized delivery of neurotrophic factors via drug delivery systems (DDS), co-administration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and pretreatment with chondroitinase ABC (Ch-ABC). Other notable advancements include conduits that have been bioengineered to mimic native nerve structure via cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and the development of transplantable living nervous tissue constructs from rat and human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Grafts composed of non-nervous tissues, such as vein, artery, and muscle, will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristopher A Lyon
- Texas A&M College of Medicine; Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Jason H Huang
- Texas A&M College of Medicine; Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, TX, USA
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10
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Meyers EC, Granja R, Solorzano BR, Romero-Ortega M, Kilgard MP, Rennaker RL, Hays S. Median and ulnar nerve injuries reduce volitional forelimb strength in rats. Muscle Nerve 2017; 56:1149-1154. [PMID: 28120500 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are among the leading causes of physical disability in the United States. The majority of injuries occur in the upper extremities, and functional recovery is often limited. Robust animal models are critical first steps for developing effective therapies to restore function after PNI. METHODS We developed an automated behavioral assay that provides quantitative measurements of volitional forelimb strength in rats. Multiple forelimb PNI models involving the median and ulnar nerves were used to assess forelimb function for up to 13 weeks postinjury. RESULTS Despite multiple weeks of task-oriented training following injury, rats exhibit significant reductions in multiple quantitative parameters of forelimb function, including maximal pull force and speed of force generation. DISCUSSION This study demonstrates that the isometric pull task is an effective method of evaluating forelimb function following PNI and may aid in development of therapeutic interventions to restore function. Muscle Nerve 56: 1149-1154, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric C Meyers
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Rafael Granja
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Bleyda R Solorzano
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA
| | - Mario Romero-Ortega
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Michael P Kilgard
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Robert L Rennaker
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Seth Hays
- The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Biomedical Device Center, 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75080-3021, USA.,The University of Texas at Dallas, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, Richardson, Texas, USA
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11
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Potential Mechanism of Neurite Outgrowth Enhanced by Electrical Stimulation: Involvement of MicroRNA-363-5p Targeting DCLK1 Expression in Rat. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:513-525. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2100-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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12
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Dayawansa S, Zhang J, Shih CH, Tharakan B, Huang JH. Functional, electrophysiological recoveries of rats with sciatic nerve lesions following transplantation of elongated DRG cells. Neurol Res 2016; 38:352-7. [PMID: 27078705 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2015.1105586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Functional data are essential when confirming the efficacy of elongated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells as a substitute for autografting. We present the quantitative functional motor, electrophysiological findings of engineered DRG recipients for the first time. METHODS Elongated DRG neurons and autografts were transplanted to bridge 1-cm sciatic nerve lesions of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Motor recoveries of elongated DRG recipients (n=9), autograft recipients (n=9), unrepaired rats (n=9) and intact rats (n=6) were investigated using the angle board challenge test following 16 weeks of recovery. Electrophysiology studies were conducted to assess the functional recovery at 16 weeks. In addition, elongated DRGs were subjected to histology assessments. RESULTS At threshold levels (35° angle) of the angle board challenge test, the autograft recipients', DRG recipients' and unrepaired group's performances were equal to each other and were less than the intact group (p<0.05). However, during the subthreshold (30°) angle board challenge test, the elongated DRG recipients' performance was similar to both the intact group and the autograft nerve recipients, and was better (p<0.05) than the unrepaired group. The autograft recipients' performance was similar to the unrepaired group and was significantly different (p<0.05) compared with the performance of the intact group. During electrophysiological testing, the rats with transplanted engineered DRG constructs had intact signal transmission when recorded over the lesion, while the unrepaired rats did not. It was observed that elongated DRG neurons closely resembled an autograft during histological assessments. CONCLUSION Performances of autograft and elongated DRG construct recipients were similar. Elongated DRG neurons should be further investigated as a substitute for autografting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Dayawansa
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Baylor Scott & White Healthcare , Temple , Texas , USA.,b Department of Surgery , Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine , Temple , Texas , USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- c Department of Neurosurgery , PLA General Hospital , Beijing , China
| | - Chung-Hsuan Shih
- d Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute , University of Rochester , Rochester , New York , USA
| | - Binu Tharakan
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Baylor Scott & White Healthcare , Temple , Texas , USA.,b Department of Surgery , Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine , Temple , Texas , USA
| | - Jason H Huang
- a Department of Neurosurgery , Baylor Scott & White Healthcare , Temple , Texas , USA.,b Department of Surgery , Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine , Temple , Texas , USA
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13
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Harris JP, Struzyna LA, Murphy PL, Adewole DO, Kuo E, Cullen DK. Advanced biomaterial strategies to transplant preformed micro-tissue engineered neural networks into the brain. J Neural Eng 2016; 13:016019. [PMID: 26760138 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/13/1/016019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Connectome disruption is a hallmark of many neurological diseases and trauma with no current strategies to restore lost long-distance axonal pathways in the brain. We are creating transplantable micro-tissue engineered neural networks (micro-TENNs), which are preformed constructs consisting of embedded neurons and long axonal tracts to integrate with the nervous system to physically reconstitute lost axonal pathways. APPROACH We advanced micro-tissue engineering techniques to generate micro-TENNs consisting of discrete populations of mature primary cerebral cortical neurons spanned by long axonal fascicles encased in miniature hydrogel micro-columns. Further, we improved the biomaterial encasement scheme by adding a thin layer of low viscosity carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to enable needle-less insertion and rapid softening for mechanical similarity with brain tissue. MAIN RESULTS The engineered architecture of cortical micro-TENNs facilitated robust neuronal viability and axonal cytoarchitecture to at least 22 days in vitro. Micro-TENNs displayed discrete neuronal populations spanned by long axonal fasciculation throughout the core, thus mimicking the general systems-level anatomy of gray matter-white matter in the brain. Additionally, micro-columns with thin CMC-coating upon mild dehydration were able to withstand a force of 893 ± 457 mN before buckling, whereas a solid agarose cylinder of similar dimensions was predicted to withstand less than 150 μN of force. This thin CMC coating increased the stiffness by three orders of magnitude, enabling needle-less insertion into brain while significantly reducing the footprint of previous needle-based delivery methods to minimize insertion trauma. SIGNIFICANCE Our novel micro-TENNs are the first strategy designed for minimally invasive implantation to facilitate nervous system repair by simultaneously providing neuronal replacement and physical reconstruction of long-distance axon pathways in the brain. The micro-TENN approach may offer the ability to treat several disorders that disrupt the connectome, including Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumor excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Harris
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Nawrotek K, Tylman M, Rudnicka K, Balcerzak J, Kamiński K. Chitosan-based hydrogel implants enriched with calcium ions intended for peripheral nervous tissue regeneration. Carbohydr Polym 2016; 136:764-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.09.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Nerve Allograft Transplantation Model. Plast Reconstr Surg 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4471-6335-0_67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Struzyna LA, Katiyar K, Cullen DK. Living scaffolds for neuroregeneration. CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE 2014; 18:308-318. [PMID: 28736499 PMCID: PMC5520662 DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Neural tissue engineers are exploiting key mechanisms responsible for neural cell migration and axonal path finding during embryonic development to create living scaffolds for neuroregeneration following injury and disease. These mechanisms involve the combined use of haptotactic, chemotactic, and mechanical cues to direct cell movement and re-growth. Living scaffolds provide these cues through the use of cells engineered in a predefined architecture, generally in combination with biomaterial strategies. Although several hurdles exist in the implementation of living regenerative scaffolds, there are considerable therapeutic advantages to using living cells in conjunction with biomaterials. The leading contemporary living scaffolds for neurorepair are utilizing aligned glial cells and neuronal/axonal tracts to direct regenerating axons across damaged tissue to appropriate targets, and in some cases to directly replace the function of lost cells. Future advances in technology, including the use of exogenous stimulation and genetically engineered stem cells, will further the potential of living scaffolds and drive a new era of personalized medicine for neuroregeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Struzyna
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kritika Katiyar
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - D Kacy Cullen
- Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Li Y, Yan X, Liu J, Li L, Hu X, Sun H, Tian J. Pulsed electromagnetic field enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression through L-type voltage-gated calcium channel- and Erk-dependent signaling pathways in neonatal rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Neurochem Int 2014; 75:96-104. [PMID: 24937769 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Revised: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) exposure has been reported to promote neuronal differentiation, the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of PEMF exposure on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA expression and the correlation between the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) and Bdnf mRNA expression in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGNs). Exposure to 50Hz and 1mT PEMF for 2h increased the level of [Ca(2+)]i and Bdnf mRNA expression, which was found to be mediated by increased [Ca(2+)]i from Ca(2+) influx through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). However, calcium mobilization was not involved in the increased [Ca(2+)]i and BDNF expression, indicating that calcium influx was one of the key factors responding to PEMF exposure. Moreover, PD098059, an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) inhibitor, strongly inhibited PEMF-dependant Erk1/2 activation and BDNF expression, indicating that Erk activation is required for PEMF-induced upregulation of BDNF expression. These findings indicated that PEMF exposure increased BDNF expression in DRGNs by activating Ca(2+)- and Erk-dependent signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Second Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Yan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Juanfang Liu
- Department of Clinical Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Shaanxi Provincial TCM Hospital, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Xinghua Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shaanxi Provincial TCM Hospital, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Honghui Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, PR China.
| | - Jing Tian
- Second Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, PR China.
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Dayawansa S, Wang EW, Liu W, Markman JD, Gelbard HA, Huang JH. Allotransplanted DRG neurons or Schwann cells affect functional recovery in a rodent model of sciatic nerve injury. Neurol Res 2014; 36:1020-1027. [PMID: 24836462 DOI: 10.1179/1743132814y.0000000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, the functional recoveries of Sprague-Dawley rats following repair of a complete sciatic nerve transection using allotransplanted dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons or Schwann cells were examined using a number of outcome measures. METHODS Four groups were compared: (1) repair with a nerve guide conduit seeded with allotransplanted Schwann cells harvested from Wistar rats, (2) repair with a nerve guide conduit seeded with DRG neurons, (3) repair with solely a nerve guide conduit, and (4) sham-surgery animals where the sciatic nerve was left intact. The results corroborated our previous reported histology findings and measures of immunogenicity. RESULTS The Wistar-DRG-treated group achieved the best recovery, significantly outperforming both the Wistar-Schwann group and the nerve guide conduit group in the Von Frey assay of touch response (P < 0.05). Additionally, Wistar-DRG and Wistar-Schwann seeded repairs showed lower frequency and severity in an autotomy measure of the self-mutilation of the injured leg because of neuralgia. CONCLUSION These results suggest that in complete peripheral nerve transections, surgical repair using nerve guide conduits with allotransplanted DRG and Schwann cells may improve recovery, especially DRG neurons, which elicit less of an immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Dayawansa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ernest W Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Weimin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester, NY, USA
| | - John D Markman
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Harris A Gelbard
- Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,Center for Neural Development and Disease, University of Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Scott & White Health System, Temple, TX, USA
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Tzekova N, Heinen A, Küry P. Molecules involved in the crosstalk between immune- and peripheral nerve Schwann cells. J Clin Immunol 2014; 34 Suppl 1:S86-104. [PMID: 24740512 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-014-0015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Schwann cells are the myelinating glial cells of the peripheral nervous system and establish myelin sheaths on large caliber axons in order to accelerate their electrical signal propagation. Apart from this well described function, these cells revealed to exhibit a high degree of differentiation plasticity as they were shown to re- and dedifferentiate upon injury and disease as well as to actively participate in regenerative- and inflammatory processes. This review focuses on the crosstalk between glial- and immune cells observed in many peripheral nerve pathologies and summarizes functional evidences of molecules, regulators and factors involved in this process. We summarize data on Schwann cell's role presenting antigens, on interactions with the complement system, on Schwann cell surface molecules/receptors and on secreted factors involved in immune cell interactions or para-/autocrine signaling events, thus strengthening the view for a broader (patho) physiological role of this cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevena Tzekova
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Electrical Stimulation Induces Calcium-Dependent Neurite Outgrowth and Immediate Early Genes Expressions of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. Neurochem Res 2013; 39:129-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-013-1197-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Ullah M, Eucker J, Sittinger M, Ringe J. Mesenchymal stem cells and their chondrogenic differentiated and dedifferentiated progeny express chemokine receptor CCR9 and chemotactically migrate toward CCL25 or serum. Stem Cell Res Ther 2013; 4:99. [PMID: 23958031 PMCID: PMC3854782 DOI: 10.1186/scrt310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Guided migration of chondrogenically differentiated cells has not been well studied, even though it may be critical for growth, repair, and regenerative processes. The chemokine CCL25 is believed to play a critical role in the directional migration of leukocytes and stem cells. To investigate the motility effect of serum- or CCL25-mediated chemotaxis on chondrogenically differentiated cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were induced to chondrogenic lineage cells. Methods MSC-derived chondrogenically differentiated cells were characterized for morphology, histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), surface profile, and serum- or CCL25-mediated cell migration. Additionally, the chemokine receptor, CCR9, was examined in different states of MSCs. Results The chondrogenic differentiated state of MSCs was positive for collagen type II and Alcian blue staining, and showed significantly upregulated expression of COL2A1and SOX9, and downregulated expression of CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105 and CD166, in contrast to the undifferentiated and dedifferentiated states of MSCs. For the chondrogenic differentiated, undifferentiated, and dedifferentiated states of MSCs, the serum-mediated chemotaxis was in a percentage ratio of 33%:84%:85%, and CCL25-mediated chemotaxis was in percentage ratio of 12%:14%:13%, respectively. On the protein level, CCR9, receptor of CCL25, was expressed in the form of extracellular and intracellular domains. On the gene level, qPCR confirmed the expression of CCR9 in different states of MSCs. Conclusions CCL25 is an effective cue to guide migration in a directional way. In CCL25-mediated chemotaxis, the cell-migration rate was almost the same for different states of MSCs. In serum-mediated chemotaxis, the cell-migration rate of chondrogenically differentiated cells was significantly lower than that in undifferentiated or dedifferentiated cells. Current knowledge of the surface CD profile and cell migration could be beneficial for regenerative cellular therapies.
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Schmitt T, Talley J, Chang J. New Concepts and Technologies in Reconstructive Hand Surgery. Clin Plast Surg 2012; 39:445-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2012.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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