Open AccessTopography, Cell Response, and Nerve Regeneration
Author(s) -
Diane Hoffman–Kim,
Joseph F. Mitchel,
Ravi V. Bellamkonda
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
annual review of biomedical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.142
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1545-4274
pISSN - 1523-9829
DOI - 10.1146/annurev-bioeng-070909-105351
Subject(s) - neuroscience , regeneration (biology) , biology , cell type , cell adhesion , anatomy , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , genetics
In the body, cells encounter a complex milieu of signals, including topographical cues, in the form of the physical features of their surrounding environment. Imposed topography can affect cells on surfaces by promoting adhesion, spreading, alignment, morphological changes, and changes in gene expression. Neural response to topography is complex, and it depends on the dimensions and shapes of physical features. Looking toward repair of nerve injuries, strategies are being explored to engineer guidance conduits with precise surface topographies. How neurons and other cell types sense and interpret topography remains to be fully elucidated. Studies reviewed here include those of topography on cellular organization and function as well as potential cellular mechanisms of response.