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Evaluating the impact of dynamic extracellular matrix mechanics on Schwann cell plasticity

Montgomery, Alyssa
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1684838434823423

Abstract Details

2023, MS, University of Cincinnati, Engineering and Applied Science: Biomedical Engineering.
Schwann cells (SCs) are responsible for axon function and maintenance in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), as well as being a key component to the regeneration process following trauma. Once an injury occurs, SCs respond to both physical and chemical stress cues to modify their phenotype to assist in the regeneration of damaged axons. There is currently a lack of research examining SC response to dynamic changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) brought on by swelling and the development of scar tissue as part of the body’s wound-healing process. Thus, the overall objective of this project is to use a biocompatible, mechanically tunable substrate to mimic changes in the microenvironment. Previously, we have reported that ECM cues such as ligand type and substrate stiffness impact SC phenotype and plasticity, which was demonstrated by culturing SCs on mechanically stable substrates. However, to better realize SC potential for plasticity following traumatic injury, we utilized a UV-tunable PDMS substrate with dynamically changing stiffness to mimic changes in the microenvironment. Through the examination of cell morphology and protein expression, we seek to better understand the relationship between SC plasticity and a dynamically changing microenvironment in both injury and diseased states. This relationship holds the potential for creating future PNS therapies that currently have extremely limited methods of care.
Greg Harris, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Jason Shearn, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
John Martin, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
89 p.
Biomedical Engineering
Schwann cell; fibrosis; tissue engineering; PNS; biomaterial; mechanotransduction

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Montgomery, A. (2023). Evaluating the impact of dynamic extracellular matrix mechanics on Schwann cell plasticity [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1684838434823423

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Montgomery, Alyssa. Evaluating the impact of dynamic extracellular matrix mechanics on Schwann cell plasticity. 2023. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1684838434823423.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Montgomery, Alyssa. "Evaluating the impact of dynamic extracellular matrix mechanics on Schwann cell plasticity." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1684838434823423

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1684838434823423
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© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.