Schwann Cells Enhance Penetration of Regenerated Axons into Three-Dimensional Microchannels

Three-dimensional traction forces of Schwann cells on compliant substrates.

The mechanical interaction between Schwann cells (SCs) and their microenvironment is crucial for the development, maintenance and repair of the peripheral nervous system. In this paper, we present a detailed investigation on the mechanosensitivity of SCs across a physiologically relevant substrate stiffness range. Contrary to many other cell types, we find that the SC spreading area and cytoske...

Regenerated host axons form synapses with neurons derived from neural stem cells transplanted into peripheral nerves.

It is reported that neural stem cells (NSC) can arrest denervated muscle atrophy and promote nerve regeneration when transplanted into injured peripheral nerves, and that regenerated host axons can form synapses with transplanted and differentiated NSC. In this study, F344 rat nerve segments and F344 rat NSC were transplanted into host green fluorescence protein (GFP) transgenic F344 rats. This...

Tight junctions in Schwann cells of peripheral myelinated axons

Tight junction (TJ)-like structures have been reported in Schwann cells, but their molecular composition and physiological function remain elusive. We found that claudin-19, a novel member of the claudin family (TJ adhesion molecules in epithelia), constituted these structures. Claudin-19-deficient mice were generated, and they exhibited behavioral abnormalities that could be attributed to peri...

Globular neuropathy. A disorder of axons and Schwann cells.

Differentiation of Adipose-derived Stem Cells into Schwann Cell Phenotype in Comparison with Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Objective(s) Bone marrow is the traditional source of human multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), but adipose tissue appears to be an alternative and more readily available source. In this study, rat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were induced to differentiate into Schwann-like cells and compared with rat bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) for their Schwann-like cells differentiation pote...