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Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons and Differentiated Adipose-derived Stem Cells: An In Vitro Co-culture Model to Study Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Published on: February 26, 2015
Nerve dependence in tissue, organ, and appendage regeneration
Anoop Kumar1, Jeremy P Brockes
1Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Life Sciences, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Trends in Neurosciences
|September 20, 2012
Summary
Nerves are crucial for regeneration in many species, acting as transient niche components for progenitor cells. Their interactions with other cells reveal new insights beyond electrical and chemical signaling.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Biology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Regenerating nerves are often essential components of progenitor cell niches.
- Nerve involvement in regeneration spans across vertebrates and invertebrates.
- Nerves also influence stem cell niches in mammals and Drosophila.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of nerves in diverse regeneration contexts.
- To explore cellular and molecular mechanisms of nerve dependence in regeneration.
- To highlight novel perspectives on nerve cell function in regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of regeneration studies.
- Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms.
- Case study: Salamander aneurogenic limb regeneration.
Main Results:
- Nerves are consistently required for successful regeneration of various tissues.
- Interactions between nerves, glia, and non-neural cells are critical.
- Developmental innervation patterns influence adult regenerative capacity.
Conclusions:
- Nerve cells play a fundamental, multifaceted role in regeneration.
- Understanding nerve-glia-tissue interactions is key to unlocking regenerative potential.
- Nerve function in regeneration extends beyond traditional excitability paradigms.
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