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Facile Protocol for the Synthesis of Self-assembling Polyamine-based Peptide Amphiphiles PPAs and Related Biomaterials
Published on: June 25, 2018
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Creating a stem cell niche in the inner ear using self-assembling peptide amphiphiles.
Akihiro J Matsuoka1,2,3, Zafar A Sayed1, Nicholas Stephanopoulos4
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.
Plos One
|December 29, 2017
Summary
Self-assembling peptide amphiphiles create a supportive niche for human embryonic stem cell-derived otic neuronal progenitors, enhancing their survival and differentiation for potential spiral ganglion regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) offer potential for spiral ganglion regeneration.
- Successful regeneration requires promoting otic neuronal progenitor (ONP) differentiation, cell anchoring, and survival.
- Current methods lack effective strategies for creating suitable niches for transplanted cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a biomaterial-based niche for hESC-derived ONPs.
- To evaluate the ability of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles (PAs) to support ONP differentiation and survival.
- To assess the feasibility of using PAs for in vivo transplantation and spiral ganglion regeneration.
Main Methods:
- hESC-derived ONPs were cultured within self-assembling peptide amphiphile (PA) gels displaying an IKVAV epitope (IKVAV-PA).
- Neuronal differentiation and survival were assessed in vitro.
- IKVAV-PA/ONP constructs were transplanted into rodent inner ears, and cell survival and localization were evaluated.
- Surgical feasibility was tested in human cadaveric temporal bones.
Main Results:
- IKVAV-PA gels supported hESC-derived ONP neuronal differentiation and neurite extension without affecting proliferation or viability.
- In vivo transplantation into rodent inner ears demonstrated increased survival and improved localization of ONPs within the IKVAV-PA niche.
- Human cadaveric studies confirmed the technical feasibility of a surgical approach for intracochlear injection.
Conclusions:
- Self-assembling IKVAV-PA gels provide a supportive biophysical niche for hESC-derived ONPs.
- This approach enhances neuronal differentiation and in vivo cell survival, crucial for spiral ganglion regeneration.
- Combining stem cell therapy with PA gel niches shows promise for future clinical applications in hearing restoration.
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