Living scaffolds for neuroregeneration

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359028614000540

• Laura A. Struzyna^{a, b, 1, 2,} ,
• Kritika Katiyar^{a, c, 1, 3,} ,
• D. Kacy Cullen^{a, b, ,}

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DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2014.07.004

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Highlights

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Tissue engineered “living scaffolds” consist of cells in a defined 3D architecture.

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Living scaffolds present cues to facilitate nervous system repair.

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They mimic developmental mechanisms of axon growth and cell migration.

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Living scaffolds modulate the regenerative environment based on local feedback.

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They may elicit tissue reconstruction following neurodegenerative disease or trauma.

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Abstract

Neural tissue engineers are exploiting key mechanisms responsible for neural cell migration and axonal pathfinding during embryonic development to create living scaffolds for neuroregeneration following injury and disease. These mechanisms involve the combined use of haptotactic, chemotactic, and mechanical cues to direct cell movement and re-growth. Living scaffolds provide these cues through the use of cells engineered in a predefined architecture, generally in combination with biomaterial strategies. Although several hurdles exist in the implementation of living regenerative scaffolds, there are considerable therapeutic advantages to using living cells in conjunction with biomaterials. The leading contemporary living scaffolds for neurorepair are utilizing aligned glial cells and neuronal/axonal tracts to direct regenerating axons across damaged tissue to appropriate targets, and in some cases to directly replace the function of lost cells. Future advances in technology, including the use of exogenous stimulation and genetically engineered stem cells, will further the potential of living scaffolds and drive a new era of personalized medicine for neuroregeneration.

Keywords

• Tissue engineering;
• Cell transplant;
• Biomaterials;
• Regeneration;
• Neurotrauma;
• Neurodegeneration;
• Axon pathfinding;
• Cell migration

Corresponding author at: 105E Hayden Hall/3320 Smith Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States. Tel.: +1 215 746 8176; fax: +1 215 573 3808.

1

The first two authors contributed equally to this manuscript.

2

Address: 373 Stemmler Hall/3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States. Tel.: +1 215 898 9218; fax: +1 215 573 3808.

3

Address: 502 Stemmler Hall/3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States. Tel.: +1 215 898 9218; fax: +1 215 573 3808.