Open AccessLow‐intensity pulsed ultrasound upregulates pro‐myelination indicators of Schwann cells enhanced by co‐culture with adipose‐derived stem cells
Author(s) -
Yue Yuan,
Yang Xingmei,
Zhang Liang,
Xiao Xun,
Nabar Neel R.,
Lin Yunfeng,
Hao Liang,
Zhang Dongjiao,
Huo Jingyi,
Li Jingle,
Cai Xiaoxiao,
Wang Min
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
cell proliferation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.647
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-2184
pISSN - 0960-7722
DOI - 10.1111/cpr.12298
Subject(s) - low intensity pulsed ultrasound , erbb3 , neuregulin , schwann cell , stem cell , regeneration (biology) , downregulation and upregulation , adipose tissue , microbiology and biotechnology , myelin , medicine , chemistry , biology , cancer research , immunology , receptor , therapeutic ultrasound , ultrasound , signal transduction , epidermal growth factor receptor , central nervous system , biochemistry , gene , radiology
Objectives Peripheral nerve injuries are a common occurrence, resulting in considerable patient suffering; it also represents a major economic burden on society. To improve treatment options following peripheral nerve injuries, scientists aim to find a way to promote Schwann cell ( SC ) myelination to help nerves to carry out their functions effectively. In this study, we investigated myelination ability of SC s, regulated by co‐culture with adipose‐derived stem cells ( ASC s) or low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound ( LIPUS ), and synergistic effects of combined treatments. Materials and methods Schwann cells were co‐cultured with or without ASC s, and either left untreated or treated with LIPUS for 10 min/d for 1, 4 or 7 days. Effects of LIPUS and ASC co‐culture on pro‐myelination indicators of SC s were analysed by real‐time PCR ( RT ‐ PCR ), Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining ( IF ). Results Our results indicate that ASC ‐ SC co‐culture and LIPUS , together or individually, promoted mRNA levels of epidermal growth factor receptor 3 ( EGFR 3/ErbB3), neuregulin1 ( NRG 1), early growth response protein 2 (Egr2/Krox20) and myelin basic protein ( MBP ), with corresponding increases in protein levels of ErbB3, NRG 1 and Krox20. Interestingly, combination of ASC ‐ SC co‐culture and LIPUS displayed the most remarkable effects. Conclusion We demonstrated that ASC s upregulated pro‐myelination indicators of SC s by indirect contact (through co‐culture) and that effects could be potentiated by LIPUS . We conclude that LIPUS , as a mechanical stress, may have potential in nerve regeneration with potential clinical relevance.