Bioengineering strategy to promote CNS nerve growth and regeneration via chronic glutamate signaling.

ABSTRACT: Being part of the mature mammalian central nervous system, impairments of the retina and optic nerves caused by trauma or diseases often cannot be restored. Progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies gradually leads to permanent vision loss, which currently has no cure. The purpose of this study is to develop a biocompatible scaffold to support RGC survival and guide axon growth, facilitating optic nerve repair and regeneration. We here report that electrical stimulation (ES) significantly promoted neurite outgrowth and elongation from primary RGCs, mediated through glutamate receptor signaling. To mimic prolonged glutamate stimulation and facilitate sustained nerve growth, we fabricated biocompatible poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate (PBG) s

SUBMITTER: Chang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11614675 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature