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Engineered Biomimetic Neural Stem Cell Niche

  • Stem Cell Switches and Regulators (K Hirschi, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into functional neurons, heightening their potential use for therapeutic applications. This review explores bioengineered systems which recapitulate NSC niche cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.

Recent Findings

Delivery of NSCs to the cytotoxic injured brain is limited by low cell survival rates post-transplantation and poor maintenance of native niche bioactive components. The use of biomaterial platforms can mimic in vivo the environment of the two germinal areas of the adult brain in which NSCs thrive. An environmental mimic that includes extracellular proteins and moieties, along with appropriate biomechanical cues has recently demonstrated promising results in enhancing neurogenesis, aiding the production of a bioengineered niche.

Summary

Biocomposition, biomechanics, and biostructure can be manipulated through engineered platforms to re-create the biofunctionality of an NSC niche. Upon transplantation and delivery with biomimetic scaffolds, NSCs show potential to promote functional recovery and rebuild neural circuitry post neurological trauma.

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Acknowledgments

Work from our laboratories was supported by NIH (R01EB016629-03).

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  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Rita Matta & Anjelica L. Gonzalez

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  1. Rita Matta
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  2. Anjelica L. Gonzalez
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Correspondence to Anjelica L. Gonzalez.

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Rita Matta and Anjelica Gonzalez each declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Matta, R., Gonzalez, A.L. Engineered Biomimetic Neural Stem Cell Niche. Curr Stem Cell Rep 5, 109–114 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40778-019-00161-2

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