Plant-Derived Viral Nanoparticles Enable Simultaneous Guidance of Neuronal Cell Outgrowth and Targeting of Neurodifferentiation Pathways.

ABSTRACT: Differentiating neuronal cells in vitro is a complex process that can be significantly enhanced by using a combination of functional peptides and nanostructured scaffolds in combination. However, applying these elements simultaneously remains challenging. Here, a novel neural tissue engineering approach that uses plant-derived viral nanoparticles (VNPs) to simultaneously promote neuronal differentiation and growth guidance is presented. It is hypothesized that the simultaneous alignment and promotion of neurodifferentiation could be achieved by using genetically engineered potato virus X and tobacco mosaic virus, which display high local concentrations of functional peptides derived from laminin (RGD and IKVAV) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Immunostaining, gene analysis, immunopre

SUBMITTER: Ritter M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12757991 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature