Stochastic nanoroughness modulates neuron-astrocyte interactions and function via mechanosensing cation channels.

ABSTRACT: Extracellular soluble signals are known to play a critical role in maintaining neuronal function and homeostasis in the CNS. However, the CNS is also composed of extracellular matrix macromolecules and glia support cells, and the contribution of the physical attributes of these components in maintenance and regulation of neuronal function is not well understood. Because these components possess well-defined topography, we theorize a role for topography in neuronal development and we demonstrate that survival and function of hippocampal neurons and differentiation of telencephalic neural stem cells is modulated by nanoroughness. At roughnesses corresponding to that of healthy astrocytes, hippocampal neurons dissociated and survived independent from astrocytes and showed superior functional

SUBMITTER: Blumenthal NR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4234571 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature