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Acidic Laminin: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential for Nervous Tissue Repair

Haggerty, Agnes/E (2015) Acidic Laminin: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential for Nervous Tissue Repair. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Biomaterials have shown promise for treatment of injuries to the nervous system. Laminin, a glycoprotein, forms distinct polymers under neutral (pH 7; neutral laminin, nLam) or acidic (pH 4; acidic laminin, aLam) conditions (1, 2). aLam promotes significant axonal growth (2), making it of interest as a therapeutic for nervous tissue injuries.
In this thesis, instead of as a substrate, we evaluate unbound aLam. In Chapter 2.1, we use an in vitro model system to investigate the mechanisms underlying aLam growth promotion. Results indicate: 1) laminin can act as a signaling molecule promoting outgrowth of adult neurons in vitro; 2) aLam is a more efficient promoter of outgrowth than nLam; 3) both polymers signal through α1 and α3 integrins without increasing their expression; 4) aLam, increases α3 integrins when α1 integrins are blocked; 6) aLam increases vinculin, a focal adhesion complex protein. These findings indicate that aLam promotes outgrowth by increasing integrin activation to enhance neurite outgrowth.
In Chapter 2.2 microcontact printing and live imaging were combined to evaluate aLam’s effects on growth dynamics. Our results suggest: 1) neurons will adhere to stamps and grow in a directional manner in culture; 2) cells did not adhere or grow well during live imaging. Results indicate potential for directing neuronal outgrowth, but optimization is necessary to assess growth dynamics.
Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are devastating. In Chapter 3.1 we investigate aLam’s treatment potential in PNI. Results indicate that aLam treatment: 1) increased presence of larger diameter axons; 2) facilitated compliance in treadmill walking; 3) alleviated autophagia; 4) did not affect motor function, axon number or myelination. These data show that aLam treatment elicits an axon growth response without affecting motor function recovery. Further research is needed to optimize treatment for functional improvements.
Chapter 3.2 evaluates aLam treatment after SCI. Results show that aLam treatment: 1) did not affect axon regeneration; 2) decreased astrocyte activation; 3) did not affect neuropathic pain or motor outcomes. The data indicate treatment did not lead to functional improvements. Further research is needed to investigate the potential of aLam for SCI repair.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Haggerty, Agnes/Eaeh44@pitt.eduAEH44
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairOudega, Martinmoudega@pitt.eduMOUDEGA
Committee MemberCui, Xinyan Tracyxic11@pitt.eduXIC11
Committee MemberWang, Yadongyaw20@pitt.eduYAW20
Committee MemberFeinberg, Adamfeinberg@andrew.cmu.edu
Date: 28 January 2015
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 11 November 2014
Approval Date: 28 January 2015
Submission Date: 21 November 2014
Access Restriction: 1 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 1 year.
Number of Pages: 97
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: Swanson School of Engineering > Bioengineering
Degree: PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Laminin, Spinal Cord, Integrins, Biomaterial, Regeneration
Date Deposited: 28 Jan 2015 17:05
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 14:25
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/23578

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