Synergistic effects of 3D ECM and chemogradients on neurite outgrowth and guidance: a simple modeling and microfluidic framework.

ABSTRACT: During nervous system development, numerous cues within the extracellular matrix microenvironment (ECM) guide the growing neurites along specific pathways to reach their intended targets. Neurite motility is controlled by extracellular signal sensing through the growth cone at the neurite tip, including chemoattractive and repulsive cues. However, it is difficult to regenerate and restore neurite tracts, lost or degraded due to an injury or disease, in the adult central nervous system. Thus, it is important to evaluate the dynamic interplay between ECM and the concentration gradients of these cues, which would elicit robust neuritogenesis. Such information is critical in understanding the processes involved in developmental biology, and in developing high-fidelity neurite regenerative stra

SUBMITTER: Srinivasan P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4051856 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature