Bioactive scaffolds with enhanced supramolecular motion promote recovery from spinal cord injury

Science, 2021 · DOI: 10.1126/science.abh3602 · Published: November 12, 2021

Neurology Biomedical Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

The study focuses on creating scaffolds made of synthetic molecules that mimic proteins to help regenerate tissues, specifically in the context of spinal cord injury. The researchers intensified the motions of molecules within these scaffolds by mutating the peptide sequence of the amphiphilic monomers in non-bioactive domains. This manipulation resulted in significant improvements in vascular growth, axon regeneration, myelination, motor neuron survival, reduced gliosis, and functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice.

Study Duration

12 weeks

Participants

Mice with severe spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Intensifying molecular motions within bioactive scaffolds, achieved through specific mutations, significantly enhances recovery from spinal cord injury in mice.
2
The most bioactive co-assembly (IKVAV PA2+FGF2 PA1) led to robust corticospinal axon regrowth across the lesion site, even surpassing its distal border.
3
Treatment with the most bioactive co-assembly led to an increase in vascular area fraction, vascular length, and branching, especially in the dorsal region.

Research Summary

This study explores the use of peptide amphiphile supramolecular polymers with two distinct signals to promote recovery from spinal cord injury (SCI) in a mouse model. By tuning the internal motions of molecules within scaffold fibrils through mutations in non-bioactive domains, the researchers observed remarkable improvements in various regenerative processes. The findings suggest that optimizing the intensity of molecular motions within bioactive fibrils can enhance axonal regrowth, neuronal survival, blood vessel regeneration, and functional recovery from SCI.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Design

The study suggests that designing therapeutic supramolecular polymers with optimized dynamics could significantly enhance their bioactivity.

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

The bioactive scaffolds show potential for promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury, offering a new avenue for treatment.

Cell Signaling

The research provides insights into how the motion of molecules within scaffolds can influence cell signaling and regenerative processes.

Study Limitations

1
A direct link between supramolecular motion and in vivo observations was not directly established due to limitations in available techniques.
2
The study is limited to a murine model of severe spinal cord injury, and results may not directly translate to human SCI.
3
The long-term effects and potential side effects of the bioactive scaffolds were not fully explored in this study.

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