Abstract
Designer self-assembling peptide nanofiber hydrogel scaffolds have been considered as promising biomaterials for tissue engineering because of their excellent biocompatibility and biofunctionality. Our previous studies have shown that a novel designer functionalized self-assembling peptide nanofiber hydrogel scaffold (RLN/RADA16, LN-NS) containing N-terminal peptide sequence of link protein (link N) can promote nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) adhesion and three-dimensional (3D) migration and stimulate biosynthesis of type II collagen and aggrecan by NPCs in vitro. The present study has extended these investigations to determine the effects of this functionalized LN-NS on bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), a potential cell source for NP regeneration. Although the functionalized LN-NS cannot promote BMSCs proliferation, it significantly promotes BMSCs adhesion compared with that of the pure RADA16 hydrogel scaffold. Moreover, the functionalized LN-NS remarkably stimulates biosynthesis and deposition of type II collagen and aggrecan. These data demonstrate that the functionalized peptide nanofiber hydrogel scaffold containing link N peptide as a potential matrix substrate will be very useful in the NP tissue regeneration.
Highlights
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is major cause of chronic low back pain [1]
We studied the microstructure of 1% peptide solution of RADA16, RLN, and RLN mixed with RADA16 at a ratio 1 : 1 (LN-NS) using AFM
Previous studies showed that transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and BMP can stimulate the production of cartilage or NPs matrix in vitro and in vivo [29,30,31]
Summary
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is major cause of chronic low back pain [1]. Epidemiological studies showed that 54%–80% of people experienced chronic low back pain during their lifetimes and the annual prevalence of chronic low back pain was reported as 15%–45% [2, 3]. With the development of cellular biology and new biomaterials, NP tissue engineering may offer a new therapeutic strategy for IVDs degeneration. Cells of degenerating discs—whether resulting from their declining numbers, change in phenotype, or replacement by less effective cells—appear to be unable on their own to produce functional ECM [6,7,8]. Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) have been used as a cell source for NP tissue engineering strategies aimed at reconstructing regenerated IVDs. BMSCs can differentiate into chondrocyte phenotype cells and produce a cartilage-like matrix when encapsulated in a variety of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds [9,10,11]. The synergistic effect between nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and BMSCs promoted BMSCs differentiation towards NPCs-like phenotype and increased the functional ECM synthesis rate [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
