AI Article Synopsis
- Scientists are using synthetic peptide amphiphile polymers that mimic proteins to improve tissue regeneration, particularly in spinal cord injuries.
- One polymer activates two receptors, β1-integrin and fibroblast growth factor 2, which are crucial for cell signaling and recovery.
- By altering the peptide sequences, researchers enhanced molecular movements within the scaffold, leading to better vascular growth, nerve regeneration, myelination, and overall functional recovery in a mouse model.
Article Abstract
The signaling of cells by scaffolds of synthetic molecules that mimic proteins is known to be effective in the regeneration of tissues. Here, we describe peptide amphiphile supramolecular polymers containing two distinct signals and test them in a mouse model of severe spinal cord injury. One signal activates the transmembrane receptor β1-integrin and a second one activates the basic fibroblast growth factor 2 receptor. By mutating the peptide sequence of the amphiphilic monomers in nonbioactive domains, we intensified the motions of molecules within scaffold fibrils. This resulted in notable differences in vascular growth, axonal regeneration, myelination, survival of motor neurons, reduced gliosis, and functional recovery. We hypothesize that the signaling of cells by ensembles of molecules could be optimized by tuning their internal motions.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8723833 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abh3602 | DOI Listing |
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