Laminin enhances the growth of human neural stem cells in defined culture media

Abstract

Background: Human neural stem cells (hNSC) have the potential to provide novel cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. In order to realise this goal, protocols need to be developed that allow for large quantities of hNSC to be cultured efficiently. As such, it is important to identify factors which enhance the growth of hNSC. In vivo, stem cells reside in distinct microenvironments or niches that are responsible for the maintenance of stem cell populations. A common feature of niches is the presence of the extracellular matrix molecule, laminin. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of exogenous laminin on hNSC growth.

High-efficiency motor neuron differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells and the function of Islet-1

“…As described earlier in this study, when plated on Matrigel as single cells for neuronal maturation induction, the neural cells exhibited a low survival rate (Figs 1c and 4a,b, and Table 2). Furthermore, the Matrigel 18 , when used alone it failed to support the survival of single hESC-derived neural cells (1.4 ± 0.3%; n ¼ 6; Table 2). We then tested other ECM molecules, including Collagen I (COLI), IV (COLIV) and fibronectin, which, when used individually, also led to similar low survival rates (o2%; n ¼ 6; Table 2).…”

“…The goal of these modifications was to substitute previously used chemically undefined components (mTeSR1 medium and Matrigel) to develop chemically defined conditions. Vitronectin and fibronectin were selected because of earlier documentations that they are capable of supporting the long-term self-renewal of human pluripotent stem cells 16,17 , while laminin reportedly enhances the proliferation and survival of NPCs 18 . In addition, we replaced chemically undefined knockout serum replacement with chemically defined N2 medium for neural induction.…”

Ecto-Phosphorylation and Regeneration of the Adult Central Nervous System

“…Laminin has important roles in neuronal differentiation of human embryonic stem cells [58], proliferation of human neural stem cells [59], netrin-mediated axonal guidance [60] and NGFmediated neurite outgrowth from both PC-12 cells [61] and primary cultured neurons derived from mouse dorsal root ganglia [62]. Thus, phosphorylation of laminin could contribute to regulation of neuronal differentiation, migration and neurite outgrowth.…”

Laminin Enriched Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications

“…Besides influencing satellite cell activity, LM-111 is also crucial for maintaining nerve cells in peripheral nerves 31 and serves as a major substrate for neurite extension 32 and axon growth, 33 both in vivo and in vitro. After peripheral nerve injury, LM production by Schwann cells at the injury site is up regulated to promote axonal regeneration.…”

“…49 These integrin mediated cellular interactions with LM are vital for neuronal proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation. 32 Lack of effective therapies to restore lost brain neurons following stroke or injury presents a significant opportunity to develop clinically relevant neurogenic materials. Ajioka et al 50 created LM containing porous gelatin sponges for enhancing neuroblast migration in a rodent model of traumatic brain injury (TBI).…”