Biomimetic hydrogels direct spinal progenitor cell differentiation and promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Demyelination that results from disease or traumatic injury, such as spinal cord injury (SCI), can have a devastating effect on neural function and recovery. Many researchers are examining treatments to minimize demyelination by improving oligodendrocyte availability in vivo. Transplantation of stem and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells is a promising option, however, trials are plagued by undirected differentiation. Here we introduce a biomaterial that has been optimized to direct the differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) toward oligodendrocytes as a cell delivery vehicle after SCI.

Approach

A collagen-based hydrogel was modified to mimic the mechanical properties of the neonatal spinal cord, and components present in the developing extracellular matrix

SUBMITTER: Geissler SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5988207 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature