Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shingo Saio, Kanna Konishi, Hirofumi Hohjoh, Yuki Tamura, Teruaki Masutani, Arunasiri Iddamalgoda, Masamitsu Ichihashi, Hiroshi Hasegawa, Ken-ichi Mizutani
Summary: Endothelial cells acquire different phenotypes to establish functional vascular networks, with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) playing a key role in regulating vascular development. The spatiotemporal localization of angiogenic factors and the extracellular matrix are crucial for proper regulation of angiogenesis. Close interactions between the vascular and neural systems involve shared molecular mechanisms to coordinate developmental and regenerative processes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tong Qi, Xu Zhang, Xiaosong Gu, Shusen Cui
Summary: A novel bionic tissue-engineered nerve (TEN) graft with a biomimetic structure and composition is designed. The graft is composed of a chitin helical scaffold fabricated by mold casting and acetylation, and a fibrous membrane electrospun on its outer layer. The lumen of the graft is filled with human bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular matrix and fibers. Animal experiment results show that the repair effects of the bionic TEN grafts are similar to autografts. This study demonstrates the great potential of the bionic TEN graft for repairing clinical peripheral nerve defects.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tianhao Yu, Qiang Ao, Tianrang Ao, Muhammad Arslan Ahmad, Aijun Wang, Yingxi Xu, Zhongti Zhang, Qing Zhou
Summary: This study developed an optimized multichannel acellular nerve allograft (ANA) with improved ultrastructure and mechanical properties. The ANAs retained more extracellular matrix (ECM) components and bioactive molecules, which enhanced their regenerative capacity and biocompatibility. Both in vitro and in vivo results showed that the optimized ANAs had significant advantages in promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yanjun Guan, Zhiqi Ren, Boyao Yang, Wenjing Xu, Wenjun Wu, Xiangling Li, Tieyuan Zhang, Dongdong Li, Shengfeng Chen, Jun Bai, Xiangyu Song, Zhibo Jia, Xing Xiong, Songlin He, Chaochao Li, Fanqi Meng, Tong Wu, Jian Zhang, Xiuzhi Liu, Haoye Meng, Jiang Peng, Yu Wang
Summary: Autologous nerve grafting is the gold standard treatment for peripheral nerve defects, but its limited availability and donor area destruction restrict its widespread use. Tissue-engineered neural regeneration materials have been developed, and in this study, a modified poly-caprolactone/silk fibroin material with extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) was successfully fabricated. The biomimetic material showed excellent biological properties, supporting Schwann cell anchorage, axon regeneration, and angiogenesis processes. Additionally, the dual-bionic material bridged peripheral nerve defects in rats similarly to autologous nerve transplantation. This study provides a new concept for designing neural regeneration materials with potential clinical applications.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Nazanin Ghane, Shahla Khalili, Saied Nouri Khorasani, Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany, Oisik Das, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: Electrospun scaffolds have shown advantages in nerve tissue regeneration by promoting functional recovery through connecting growth cones of nerve stumps. Factors such as material selection, structure design, surface modification, and neurotrophic factor loading should be considered. This paper reviews the fabrication methods, polymeric materials, and surface modification techniques of aligned nanofibrous scaffolds.
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chuankai Dai, Xiaoming Liu, Rongyu Tang, Jiping He, Tatsuo Arai
Summary: In recent years, microfluidics has been crucial to the advancement of nerve regeneration research. Microfluidic devices accurately simulate the in vivo microenvironment for various research purposes such as analyzing growth inhibitory factors, screening drugs, evaluating nerve growth factors, and investigating neural injury and regeneration mechanisms. The platform enables precise control of cell behavior, such as neuron isolation, single-cell manipulation, neural patterning, and axon guidance, providing technical support for nerve regeneration.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tianyu Zhang, Chuli Song, He Li, Yanru Zheng, Yingjiu Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of extracellular aggregates of amyloid beta-protein (1-42) on neural cells and finds that these aggregates impair cell adhesion, neurite outgrowth, and the intracellular scaffold palladin. Additionally, large aggregates have additional detrimental effects, including physical barrier effects, in addition to their neurotoxicity. These findings provide new insights into the cytotoxicity of extracellular amyloid beta-protein (1-42) aggregates in Alzheimer's disease.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Bjarke Norrehvedde Jensen, Yuting Wang, Alice Le Friec, Sadegh Nabavi, Mingdong Dong, Dror Seliktar, Menglin Chen
Summary: A wireless electromagnetic neural stimulation patch has been developed, which combines electromagnetic induction and physical guidance cues to promote neural cell growth and treat neurological diseases. In vitro experiments confirmed the biocompatibility and efficacy of the patch's electromagnetic stimulation in promoting neurite outgrowth, demonstrating its great potential for non-invasive neurological therapeutics.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shengran Wang, Changlai Zhu, Bin Zhang, Junxia Hu, Jinghui Xu, Chengbin Xue, Shuangxi Bao, Xiaokun Gu, Fei Ding, Yumin Yang, Xiaosong Gu, Yun Gu
Summary: A favorable microenvironment is crucial for nerve regeneration. This study investigates the components and spatial organization of extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by different cells and finds that ECM derived from bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) is more similar to acellular nerves. ECM-modified nerve grafts (ECM-NGs) co-cultivated with BMSCs exhibit the most promising nerve repair properties and create a superior microenvironment for nerve regeneration, indicating a potential alternative for clinical repair of peripheral nerve defects.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
D. Merryweather, S. R. Moxon, A. J. Capel, N. M. Hooper, M. P. Lewis, P. Roach
Summary: Cellular metabolism and behaviour are closely linked to cytoskeletal tension and scaffold mechanics. In this study, a 3D culture system using diluted type I collagen hydrogel to produce variation in gel stiffness was explored. The results showed that hydrogel scaffold remodelling was linked to gel collagen concentration and different concentrations of gel led to significant changes in programmed cell behaviour and cell morphology.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Binghui Jin, Yunru Yu, Xiangxiang Chen, Yanhong Yang, Yushan Xiong, Young Jun Im, Yuanjin Zhao, Jian Xiao
Summary: The study proposes a novel microtube for sciatic nerve regeneration using gradient decellularized porcine sciatic nerve extracellular matrix hydrogel (pDScNM-gel). The pDScNM is shown to enhance cell proliferation and migration, improve axon growth, and these effects can also be achieved through coculture in a gradient pDScNM microtube. In vivo sciatic nerve regeneration and functional recovery are demonstrated by assembling the gradient pDScNM microtubes with a medical silicon tube.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mary Kasper, Bret Ellenbogen, Ryan Hardy, Madison Cydis, Jorge Mojica-Santiago, Abdullah Afridi, Benjamin S. Spearman, Ishita Singh, Cary A. Kuliasha, Eric Atkinson, Kevin J. Otto, Jack W. Judy, Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, Christine E. Schmidt
Summary: The magnetically aligned regenerative tissue-engineered electronic nerve interface (MARTEENI) combines polyimide threads encapsulated within a magnetically aligned hydrogel scaffold to address concerns over traditional peripheral nerve interfaces. The technology promotes nerve regeneration and increased axon densities, while also attenuating foreign-body responses. Experimental results demonstrate the potential of MARTEENI devices in promoting nerve regeneration and improving nerve interface selectivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Kong, Jiawei Xu, Qi Han, Tiantian Zheng, Linliang Wu, Guicai Li, Yumin Yang
Summary: In this study, a pure porcine decellularized nerve matrix conduit (xDNME) was successfully developed using an electrospinning technique without any additives. The xDNME conduit exhibited an obvious fiber structure and retained the natural components of the decellularized nerve tissue. In vivo experiments showed that xDNME significantly promoted the regeneration of rat sciatic nerve and exhibited comparable myelin sheath thickness and electrical signal transmission ability to the autologous nerve.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Arne Boecker, Martin Aman, Ulrich Kneser, Leila Harhaus, Frank Siemers, Felix Stang
Summary: The efficacy of chitosan-based nerve conduits in regenerating sensory nerves in the hand was evaluated in this study. The results showed that this type of nerve conduit had similar functional outcomes and patient satisfaction to autologous nerve grafts in treating small nerve defects.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Feixiang Chen, Weihuang Liu, Qiang Zhang, Ping Wu, Ao Xiao, Yanan Zhao, Ying Zhou, Qiaona Wang, Yun Chen, Zan Tong
Summary: The study demonstrated that modulating the immune microenvironment by IL-17F could enhance peripheral nerve repair mediated by chitosan conduits. IL-17F knockout mice showed improved functional recovery and axonal regeneration, along with enhanced anti-inflammatory macrophages in the NGC repairing microenvironment. These findings suggest a promising approach to improve peripheral nerve regeneration.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Nuria Nieto-Nicolau, Patricia Lopez-Chicon, Carlos Torrico, Sara Bolivar, Estefania Contreras-Carreton, Esther Udina, Xavier Navarro, Ricardo P. Casaroli-Marano, Oscar Farinas, Anna Vilarrodona
Summary: This study focused on the preservation of decellularized human nerves for tissue scaffold production, and successfully maintained nerve structure, ECM composition, and biomechanical properties before and after freezing.
BIOPRESERVATION AND BIOBANKING
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marc Leal-Julia, Jorge J. Vilches, Andrea Onieva, Sergi Verdes, Angela Sanchez, Miguel Chillon, Xavier Navarro, Assumpcio Bosch
Summary: This study characterized the proteome of neural tissues in a type 2 diabetes mouse model and identified differential protein expression profiles related to reduced glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolism, increased lipid catabolism, dysregulation of muscle-like proteins, altered cytoskeleton-related proteins, activation of inflammatory responses, and changes in glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that energy deficiency may play a key role in the neurodegeneration observed in diabetic neuropathy.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Miguel A. Rubio, Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa, Roser Velasco, Israel Blasco, Monica Povedano, Xavier Navarro
Summary: This study found increased levels of TDP-43 in the skin of ALS patients, which may serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of ALS.
Review
Neurosciences
Judith Sanchez-Ventura, Michael A. Lane, Esther Udina
Summary: This review summarizes the current knowledge of spinal perineuronal nets (PNNs) and their potential role in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). It highlights interventions that target the extracellular matrix, including the glial scar and spinal PNNs, to promote regeneration and stabilization of the spinal circuits.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Estefania Contreras, Sara Bolivar, Xavier Navarro, Esther Udina
Summary: Neurons in the peripheral nervous system have the ability to regenerate their axons after injury by triggering a complex activation response. Schwann cells (SCs) play an active role in regulating axonal programs and orchestrating Wallerian degeneration and axonal regeneration through both cell-to-cell contacts and secreted signals. The secretome, which includes proteins, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles, facilitates communication and is essential for axonal regeneration. The use of secretome has emerged as a promising alternative to cell therapy, reducing the risks associated with cell use. In this review, the roles of SC and macrophage secretomes in peripheral nerve injury are discussed, along with the use of secretomes in experimental models to enhance nerve regeneration.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Estefania Contreras, Sara Bolivar, Nuria Nieto-Nicolau, Oscar Farinas, Patricia Lopez-Chicon, Xavier Navarro, Esther Udina
Summary: This study assessed the regenerative potential of decellularized nerve allografts compared to autografts for repairing nerve resections. The results showed that while decellularized allografts sustained regeneration in rats, regeneration was limited with decellularized xenografts.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Correction
Cell Biology
Estefania Contreras, Sara Bolivar, Nuria Nieto-Nicolau, Oscar Farinas, Patricia Lopez-Chicon, Xavier Navarro, Esther Udina
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Estefania Contreras, Sara Traserra, Sara Bolivar, Joaquim Fores, Eduard Jose-Cunilleras, Ignacio Delgado-Martinez, Felix Garcia, Esther Udina, Xavier Navarro
Summary: This study used sheep as a model to investigate the repair of long-gap peripheral nerve injuries through autograft transplantation. Functional evaluation, electromyographic and ultrasound tests were performed. The results suggest that sheep nerve repair is a useful model for studying such injuries.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ariadna Arbat-Plana, Sara Bolivar, Xavier Navarro, Esther Udina, Francisco J. Alvarez
Summary: Peripheral nerve injuries result in the retraction of Ia synapses from a-motoneurons, impairing functional recovery and correlating with injury severity and muscle reinnervation efficiency. This study analyzed VGluT1-labeled Ia synapses after nerve crush in 10-day-old rats and found a large loss of synapses similar to more severe injuries in adults. The mechanism of synapse loss in young animals may be associated with higher microglia synaptic pruning activity and results in greater losses after milder nerve injuries.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Simone Romeni, Elena Losanno, Elisabeth Koert, Luca Pierantoni, Ignacio Delgado-Martinez, Xavier Navarro, Silvestro Micera
Summary: Peripheral nerve interfaces have the potential to restore sensory, motor, and visceral functions. We propose an optimization workflow that can guide pre-surgical planning and determine maximally selective multisite stimulation protocols for intraneural implants. Our method utilizes hybrid models and machine learning to optimize implant geometry, insertion, and stimulation protocols, leading to high selectivity and potential for motor function restoration.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Eugenio Redolfi-Riva, Miriam Perez-Izquierdo, Ciro Zinno, Estefania Contreras, Bruno Rodriguez-Meana, Federica Iberite, Leonardo Ricotti, Silvestro Micera, Xavier Navarro
Summary: This study introduces a novel design of nerve conduit composed of a chitosan porous matrix and a 3D-printed poly-& epsilon;-caprolactone mesh. The conduits show high controllability and can support nerve regeneration, enabling the repair of long nerve defects. Animal experiments demonstrate muscle functional recovery and abundant cellularization and axon regeneration within the conduits, suggesting their potential to overcome the limitations of autograft for repairing long nerve gaps.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sergi Verdes, Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa, Ruben Guerrero-Yague, Joan Roig-Soriano, Nuria Gaja-Capdevila, Marc Leal-Julia, Andrea Onieva, Laura Rodriguez-Estevez, Javier Del Rey, Neus Hernandez, Miguel Chillon, Xavier Navarro, Assumpcio Bosch
Meeting Abstract
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
S. Verdes, M. Herrando-Grabulosa, R. Guerrero-Yague, J. Roig-Soriano, N. Gaja-Capdevila, M. Leal-Julia, A. Onieva, M. Chillon, X. Navarro, A. Bosch
HUMAN GENE THERAPY
(2022)
