Laminin β4 is required for the development of human peripheral sensory neurons.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a mixture of glycoproteins and fibrous proteins that provide the biophysical properties necessary to maintain cellular homeostasis. ECM integrity is of particular importance during development, where it allows proper migration and cellular differentiation. Laminins are ECM heterotrimeric proteins consisting of α, β, and γ chains.

Genipin rescues developmental and degenerative defects in familial dysautonomia models and accelerates axon regeneration.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is essential for proper body function. A high percentage of the world's population suffers from nerve degeneration or peripheral nerve damage. Despite this, there are major gaps in the knowledge of human PNS development and degeneration; therefore, there are no available treatments.

Isolation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neuron subtypes by immunopanning.

Sensory neurons (SNs) detect a wide range of information from the body and the environment that is critical for homeostasis. There are three main subtypes of SNs: nociceptors, mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors, which express different membrane proteins, such as TRKA, TRKB, or TRKC, respectively. Human pluripotent stem cell technology provides an ideal platform to study development and diseases of SNs, however there is not a viable method to isolate individual SN subtype for downstream analysis available.

Genipin Crosslinks the Extracellular Matrix to Rescue Developmental and Degenerative Defects, and Accelerates Regeneration of Peripheral Neurons.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is essential for proper body function. A high percentage of the population suffer nerve degeneration or peripheral damage. For example, over 40% of patients with diabetes or undergoing chemotherapy develop peripheral neuropathies.