Browsing by Subject "Schwann cells"

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    Investigating the effects of bioactive peptide nanofibers on the growth and differentiation behaviour of nervous system cells
    (2017-07) Yılmaz, Canelif
    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.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Sciatic nerve regeneration induced by glycosaminoglycan and laminin mimetic peptide nanofiber gels
    (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2016) Mammadov, B.; Sever, M.; Gecer, M.; Zor, F.; Ozturk, S.; Akgun, H.; Ulas, U. H.; Orhan, Z.; Güler, Mustafa O.; Tekinay, A. B.
    In the USA, 20 million patients suffer from neuropathy caused by peripheral nerve injuries, which costs approximately 150 billion annually. For longer nerve gaps and multiple injury sites, it is essential to use nerve guidance conduits for healthy pathfinding of regenerating axons. Here, extracellular matrix mimetic peptide nanofiber hydrogels were used for functionalizing guidance conduits to enhance neuronal regeneration in the distal stump of full transaction sciatic nerve injury in rats with functional repair. Conduits filled with heparan sulfate and laminin mimetic peptide nanofibers significantly improved electromyography response and promoted neuronal regeneration in a rat model of sciatic nerve defect. In addition, Schwann cells cultured on these nanofibers showed increased viability and significantly enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF) release. Overall, these results suggest that extracellular matrix mimetic peptide nanofibers present a promising treatment option for peripheral nerve injuries.