Forever young: how to control the elongation, differentiation, and proliferation of cells using nanotechnology

Cell Transplant. 2009;18(9):1047-58. doi: 10.3727/096368909X471242.

Abstract

Within the emerging field of stem cells there is a need for an environment that can regulate cell activity, to slow down differentiation or proliferation, in vitro or in vivo while remaining invisible to the immune system. By creating a nanoenvironment surrounding PC12 cells, Schwann cells, and neural precursor cells (NPCs), we were able to control the proliferation, elongation, differentiation, and maturation in vitro. We extended the method, using self-assembling nanofiber scaffold (SAPNS), to living animals with implants in the brain and spinal cord. Here we show that when cells are placed in a defined system we can delay their proliferation, differentiation, and maturation depending on the density of the cell population, density of the matrix, and the local environment. A combination of SAPNS and young cells can be implanted into the central nervous system (CNS), eliminating the need for immunosuppressants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cricetinae
  • Mesocricetus
  • Nanofibers
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Neurons / cytology
  • PC12 Cells / cytology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Rats, Transgenic
  • Schwann Cells / cytology
  • Spinal Cord / cytology
  • Tissue Engineering / methods
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry