Axon-Sorting Multifunctional Nerve Guides: Accelerating Restoration of Nerve Function
Abstract
Task 1: Engineer Laminin-collagen IV-entactin-perlecan (LCEP) binding domains as fusions to the growth and neurotrophic factors ( protein factors ). Generate LCEP composite fiber scaffolds incorporating protein factors exhibiting either constant surface density or longitudinal density gradients. Match fiber stiffness with that of autograft (G*~1 MPa). Characterize the bioactivity of scaffold-bound protein factors using cell signaling assays (0-15 months); performance site: USMA. Task 2: Evaluate each protein factor (singly & in selected combinations) in the organotypic model system for preferential sensory or motor axon extension. Use confocal microscopy to track axon extension of labeled sensory or motor neurons from spinal cord slices (motor) or dorsal root ganglia (DRG) (sensory). 20 Thy1-YFP mice will be used for this task and subtasks. (12-24 mo.); sites: JHU & USMA Task 3: Evaluate top performing compositions from Task 2 in a rat femoral nerve repair model in which sensory and motor axons intermingle proximally and are segregated into discrete cutaneous and muscle branches distally. 80 Sprague-Dawley rats will be used for this task and subtasks. (24-36 mo.); work performed at JHU.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA614108
Entities
People
- Luis Alvarez
Organizations
- Geneva Foundation