Understanding sensory nerve mechanotransduction through localized elastomeric matrix control.

ABSTRACT:

Background

While neural systems are known to respond to chemical and electrical stimulation, the effect of mechanics on these highly sensitive cells is still not well understood. The ability to examine the effects of mechanics on these cells is limited by existing approaches, although their overall response is intimately tied to cell-matrix interactions. Here, we offer a novel method, which we used to investigate stretch-activated mechanotransduction on nerve terminals of sensory neurons through an elastomeric interface.

Methodology/principal findings

To apply mechanical force on neurites, we cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons on an elastic substrate, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), coated with extracellular matrices (ECM). We then implemented a controlled indentation scheme

SUBMITTER: Lin YW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2627935 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature