Open AccessExtracellular matrices, artificial neural scaffolds and the promise of neural regeneration
Author(s) -
Christian B. Ricks,
Samuel S. Shin,
Christopher Becker,
Ramesh Grandhi
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
neural regeneration research/neural regeneration research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.93
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1876-7958
pISSN - 1673-5374
DOI - 10.4103/1673-5374.141778
Subject(s) - extracellular matrix , regeneration (biology) , neuroregeneration , neurogenesis , scaffold , neuroscience , extracellular , neurotrophic factors , microbiology and biotechnology , regenerative medicine , neural stem cell , biology , biomedical engineering , medicine , stem cell , biochemistry , receptor
Over last 20 years, extracellular matrices have been shown to be useful in promoting tissue regeneration. Recently, they have been used and have had success in achieving neurogenesis. Recent developments in extracellular matrix design have allowed their successful in vivo incorporation to engender an environment favorable for neural regeneration in animal models. Promising treatments under investigation include manipulation of the intrinsic extracellular matrix and incorporation of engineered naometer-sized scaffolds through which inhibition of molecules serving as barriers to neuroregeneration and delivery of neurotrophic factors and/or cells for successful tissue regeneration can be achieved. Further understanding of the changes incurred within the extracellular matrix following central nervous system injury will undoubtedly help design a clinically efficacious extracellular matrix scaffold that can mitigate or reverse neural degeneration in the clinical setting.