Study of spinal cord cells interactions in a tissue‐engineered three‐dimensional in vitro model

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron diseases are very complex as their development and progression involve many cellular processes and many cell types. To better understand motor neuron physiology in defined culture conditions and in a physiological environment that reflects the in vivo situation, we developed in vitro a three‐dimensional tissue‐engineered spinal cord model. Our aim was to use this model to study the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases affecting motor neurons. Purified mouse spinal cord motor neurons, astrocytes and microglia were seeded on a biomaterial populated with fibroblasts that mimicked the connective tissuethrough which motor axons have to elongate in vivo. Motor neuron axon elongation and the interactions with the glial cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry after 14 days of culture. Our reconstructed tissue promoted the survival, neurite elongation and maturation of motor neurons. This tissue‐engineered spinal cord model is well‐suited to study motor neurons in vitro in a physiological three‐dimensional environment to better understand neurodegenerative diseases.