How Topography Affects Schwann Cell Movement
Author Information
Author(s): Mitchel Jennifer A., Hoffman-Kim Diane
Primary Institution: Brown University
Hypothesis
Anisotropic topography would alter Schwann cell migration, and both feature type and dimension would have distinct effects on Schwann cell motility.
Conclusion
Schwann cell motility is complex, where persistent motion requires cellular asymmetry, and anisotropic topography with cellular scale features can direct Schwann cell motility.
Supporting Evidence
- Schwann cells on microgrooved substrates migrated parallel to the direction of the topography.
- SC on flat controls migrated randomly, while SC on grooves exhibited directed movement.
- Velocity of SC was significantly higher on microgrooved substrates compared to flat controls.
- SC morphology varied with the number of extensions, affecting their speed.
- SC exhibited a range of distinct motile morphologies, with unipolar cells moving fastest.
Takeaway
Schwann cells can move in a specific direction when they are on surfaces with grooves and bumps, which helps them heal nerves.
Methodology
Schwann cells were cultured on microgrooved poly(dimethyl siloxane) platforms and their movement was tracked using time-lapse microscopy.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on two specific feature sizes and did not explore a wider range of dimensions.
Participant Demographics
Rat Schwann cells were used in the study.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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