Abstract
The formation of neuron networks is a process of fundamental importance for understanding the development of the nervous system and for creating biomimetic devices for tissue engineering and neural repair. The basic process that controls the network formation is the growth of an axon from the cell body and its extension towards target neurons. Axonal growth is directed by environmental stimuli that include intercellular interactions, biochemical cues, and the mechanical and geometrical properties of the growth substrate. Despite significant recent progress, the steering of the growing axon remains poorly understood. In this paper, we develop a model of axonal motility, which incorporates substrate-geometry sensing. We combine experimental data with theoretical analysis to measure the parameters that describe axonal growth on micropatterned surfaces: diffusion (cell motility) coefficients, speed and angular distributions, and cell-substrate interactions. Experiments performed on neurons treated with inhibitors for microtubules (Taxol) and actin filaments (Y-27632) indicate that cytoskeletal dynamics play a critical role in the steering mechanism. Our results demonstrate that axons follow geometrical patterns through a contact-guidance mechanism, in which geometrical patterns impart high traction forces to the growth cone. These results have important implications for bioengineering novel substrates to guide neuronal growth and promote nerve repair.
Highlights
Neurons are the basic cells that make up the nervous system
Cortical neurons are cultured on PDL-coated PDMS surfaces with parallel micropatterns
We have previously demonstrated that axons of untreated neurons display maximum alignment along PDMS patterns for surfaces where the pattern spatial period d matches the linear dimension of the growth cone l, where l is in the range 2 to 6 μm [20]
Summary
Neurons are the basic cells that make up the nervous system During their growth, neurons extend two types of processes: axons and dendrites, which navigate to other neurons and form complex neuronal networks that transmit electrical signals throughout the body. Previous research has identified many of the molecular pathways responsible for intercellular signaling in the formation of neuronal networks [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. It is well-established that the biomechanical properties of neurons are an integral part of their functional behavior and play an essential role in normal brain development. To understand how neurons grow axons and dendrites and wire up the nervous system, we need to understand how they respond to external physical stimuli
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