Investigating the effects of bioactive peptide nanofibers on the growth and differentiation behaviour of nervous system cells
Author
Yılmaz, Canelif
Advisor
Tekinay, Ayşe Begüm
Date
2017-08Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
Peripheral nerve regeneration is a tightly regulated process that entails the
degeneration, proliferation, alignment and remyelination of Schwann cells.
Tuning the bioactivity is important to support all of these processes and
achieving successful regeneration. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are
important molecules for controlling cell behavior and differentiation. Mimicking
the natural ECM proteins is a promising approach for promoting regeneration
in peripheral nerve injury. In this study, we investigated the biocompatibility
and bioactivity of two natural ECM mimicking peptide amphiphile (PA)
molecules, heparan sulfate-mimicking PA (HM-PA) and laminin-mimicking PA
(LN-PA), and showed that they self-assemble into ECM-like nanofibrous
networks. These bioactive nanofibers promote the viability, proliferation and
spreading of Schwann cells, and that the combination of the two bioactive
epitopes supports both early and late neuroregenerative responses of Schwann
cells. We have also shown that these nanofibers support the attachment and
neurite extension of dorsal root ganglion neurons, and promotes neurite
alignment and assembly in DRG-Schwann cell co-cultures.
Keywords
PeptidesPeptide nanofibers
Biomimetic materials
Peripheral nerve injury
Nerve regeneration
Schwann cells
DRG