A novel microfluidic device-based neurite outgrowth inhibition assay reveals the neurite outgrowth-promoting activity of tropomyosin Tpm3.1 in hippocampal neurons

Holly Stefen, Amin Hassanzadeh-Barforoushi, Merryn Brettle, Sandra Fok, Alexandra K. Suchowerska, Nicodemus Tedla, Tracie Barber, Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani, Thomas Fath*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Overcoming neurite inhibition is integral for restoring neuronal connectivity after CNS injury. Actin dynamics are critical for neurite growth cone formation and extension. The tropomyosin family of proteins is a regarded as master regulator of actin dynamics. This study investigates tropomyosin isoform 3.1 (Tpm3.1) as a potential candidate for overcoming an inhibitory substrate, as it is known to influence neurite branching and outgrowth. We designed a microfluidic device that enables neurons to be grown adjacent to an inhibitory substrate, Nogo-66. Results show that neurons, overexpressing hTpm3.1, have an increased propensity to overcome Nogo-66 inhibition. We propose Tpm3.1 as a potential target for promoting neurite growth in an inhibitory environment in the central nervous system.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1557-1563
Number of pages7
JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology
Volume38
Issue number8
Early online date14 Sept 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Microfluidic systems
  • Neurite outgrowth inhibition
  • NogoA
  • Tropomyosins

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