Evaluation of a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis derived from a hypomethylated DNA signature of human motor neurons.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) lacks a specific biomarker, but is defined by relatively selective toxicity to motor neurons (MN). As others have highlighted, this offers an opportunity to develop a sensitive and specific biomarker based on detection of DNA released from dying MN within accessible biofluids. Here we have performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of iPSC-derived MN from neurologically normal individuals.

Evaluation of a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis derived from a hypomethylated DNA signature of human motor neurons.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) lacks a specific biomarker, but is defined by relatively selective toxicity to motor neurons (MN). As others have highlighted, this offers an opportunity to develop a sensitive and specific biomarker based on detection of DNA released from dying MN within accessible biofluids. Here we have performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of iPSC-derived MN from neurologically normal individuals.

In vitro model of neurotrauma using the chick embryo to test regenerative bioimplantation.

Effective repair of spinal cord injury sites remains a major clinical challenge. One promising strategy is the implantation of multifunctional bioscaffolds to enhance nerve fiber growth, guide regener­ating tissue, and modulate scarring/inflammation processes. Given their multifunctional nature, such implants require testing in models which replicate the complex neuropathological responses of spinal injury sites.

Evaluating the Feasibility of Hydrogel-Based Neural Cell Sprays.

Neurological injuries have poor prognoses with serious clinical sequelae. Stem cell transplantation enhances neural repair but is hampered by low graft survival ( View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Stem cell sprays for neurological injuries: a perspective.

Injuries to the brain and spinal cord have major clinical consequences with high costs for healthcare systems. Neural cell transplantation therapies have significant translational potential to promote regeneration post-injury with clinical trials commencing for various pathologies. However, there are challenges associated with current clinical approaches used for systemic or direct delivery of transplant cells to neural tissue in regenerative applications.

Enhancing the regenerative potential of stem cell-laden, clinical-grade implants through laminin engineering.

Protected delivery of neural stem cells (NSCs; a major transplant population) within bioscaffolds has the potential to improve regenerative outcomes in sites of spinal cord injury. Emergent research has indicated clinical grade bioscaffolds (e.g.

Quantum Sensing in a Physiological-Like Cell Niche Using Fluorescent Nanodiamonds Embedded in Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers.

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (fNDs) containing nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are promising candidates for quantum sensing in biological environments. This work describes the fabrication and implementation of electrospun poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanofibers embedded with fNDs for optical quantum sensing in an environment, which recapitulates the nanoscale architecture and topography of the cell niche. A protocol that produces uniformly dispersed fNDs within electrospun nanofibers is demonstrated and the resulting fibers are characterized using fluorescent microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).