Work

Plasmid Releasing Multiple Channel Bridges for Transgene Expression After Spinal Cord Injury

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: The regeneration of tissues with complex architectures requires strategies that promote the appropriate cellular processes, and can direct their organization. Plasmid-loaded multiple channel bridges were engineered for spinal cord regeneration with the ability to support and direct cellular processes and promote gene transfer at the injury site. The bridges were manufactured with a gas foaming technique, and had multiple channels with controllable diameter and encapsulated plasmid. Initial studies investigating bridge implantation subcutaneously (SC) indicated transgene expression in vivo for 44 days, with gene expression dependent upon the pore size of the bridge. In the rat spinal cord, bridges implanted into a lateral hemisection supported substantial cell infiltration, aligned cells within the channels, axon growth across the channels, and high levels of transgene expression at the implant site with decreasing levels rostral and caudal. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the transfected cells at the implant site were present in both the pores and channels of the bridge and were mainly identified as Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages, in descending order of transfection. This synergy between gene delivery and the scaffold architecture may enable the engineering of tissues with complex architectures.

Source: Molecular Therapy

DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.252

Authors: Laura De Laporte, Yang Yang, Marina L Zelivyanskaya, Brian J Cummings, Aileen J Anderson, Lonnie D Shea

Institutions: Northwestern University, University of California, Irvine

Language: English

Topic: Nerve injury and regeneration

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering