Generation and transplantation of reprogrammed human neurons in the brain using 3D microtopographic scaffolds.

ABSTRACT: Cell replacement therapy with human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons has the potential to ameliorate neurodegenerative dysfunction and central nervous system injuries, but reprogrammed neurons are dissociated and spatially disorganized during transplantation, rendering poor cell survival, functionality and engraftment in vivo. Here, we present the design of three-dimensional (3D) microtopographic scaffolds, using tunable electrospun microfibrous polymeric substrates that promote in situ stem cell neuronal reprogramming, neural network establishment and support neuronal engraftment into the brain. Scaffold-supported, reprogrammed neuronal networks were successfully grafted into organotypic hippocampal brain slices, showing an ∼ 3.5-fold improvement in neurite outgrowth and increased ac

SUBMITTER: Carlson AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4800432 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature