Probing relevant molecules in modulating the neurite outgrowth of hippocampal neurons on substrates of different stiffness.

ABSTRACT: Hippocampal neurons play a critical role in learning and memory; however, the effects of environmental mechanical forces on neurite extension and associated underlying mechanisms are largely unexplored, possibly due to difficulties in maintaining central nervous system neurons. Neuron adhesion, neurite length, and mechanotransduction are mainly influenced by the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is often associated with structural scaffolding. In this study, we investigated the relationship between substrate stiffness and hippocampal neurite outgrowth by controlling the ratios of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) base to curing agent to create substrates of varying stiffness. Immunostaining results demonstrated that hippocampal neurons have longer neurite elongation in 35:1 PDMS substrate compar

SUBMITTER: Chen WH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3875460 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature