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Bioengineering Strategies to Control Neural Stem/Progenitor Cell Differentiation
Author(s) -
Shoichet Molly S,
Zahir Tasneem,
Kim Howard,
Morshead Cindi M,
Tator Charles H
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.177.2
Subject(s) - progenitor cell , spinal cord injury , neural stem cell , stem cell , regeneration (biology) , microbiology and biotechnology , neuroscience , progenitor , population , spinal cord , biology , medicine , environmental health
Traumatic spinal cord injury is devastating, leading to lifelong paralysis with little hope of recovery based on current treatments. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) offer the potential to promote regeneration after injury, providing a permissive environment to host cells. We have been particularly interested in sub‐acute injury models where both NSPC survival and regenerative potential are greatest. In our preliminary studies, we compared stem cells derived from the brain vs. those from the spinal cord in a transection injury model, where the stem cells were delivered in biocompatible hydrogel tubes of chitosan. Here we observed greater brain‐derived cell numbers and larger tissue bridges than spinal cord‐derived cells. In on‐going studies, we have refined our tube design to include microspheres for sustained, localized release of relevant factors. We have screened a number of factors in vitro to yield an enriched population of one cell type, either neuronal or glial. These factors are being explored for incorporation into the tubes and their impact measured on stem cell survival and differentiation in vitro and in an in vivo rat transection injury model.