Dataset Information

Control of Astrocyte Quiescence and Activation in a Synthetic Brain Hydrogel.

ABSTRACT: Bioengineers have designed numerous instructive brain extracellular matrix (ECM) environments with tailored and tunable protein compositions and biomechanical properties in vitro to study astrocyte reactivity during trauma and inflammation. However, a major limitation of both protein-based and synthetic model microenvironments is that astrocytes within fail to retain their characteristic stellate morphology and quiescent state without becoming activated under "normal" culture conditions. Here, a synthetic hydrogel is introduced, which for the first time demonstrates maintenance of astrocyte quiescence and activation on demand. With this synthetic brain hydrogel, the brain-specific integrin-binding and matrix metalloprotease-degradable domains of proteins are shown to control astrocyte star-shaped morphologies, and an ECM condition that maintains astrocyte quiescence with minimal activation can be achieved. In addition, activation can be induced in a dose-dependent manner via both defined cytokine cocktails and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This synthetic brain hydrogel is envisioned as a new tool to study the physiological role of astrocytes in health and disease.

SUBMITTER: Galarza S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8240961 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Control of Astrocyte Quiescence and Activation in a Synthetic Brain Hydrogel.

Galarza Sualyneth S Crosby Alfred J AJ Pak ChangHui C Peyton Shelly R SR

Advanced healthcare materials 20200115 4

Bioengineers have designed numerous instructive brain extracellular matrix (ECM) environments with tailored and tunable protein compositions and biomechanical properties in vitro to study astrocyte reactivity during trauma and inflammation. However, a major limitation of both protein-based and synthetic model microenvironments is that astrocytes within fail to retain their characteristic stellate morphology and quiescent state without becoming activated under "normal" culture conditions. Here, a ...[more]

PMID: 31943839

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Dataset Information

Control of Astrocyte Quiescence and Activation in a Synthetic Brain Hydrogel.

Publications

Control of Astrocyte Quiescence and Activation in a Synthetic Brain Hydrogel.

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