Effect of Schwann Cell Alignment on Nerve Regeneration
- Vivek Mukhatyar
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Figure 1: Schematic of nerve formation. Picture Credits: MDA Publications |
Much research has been conducted in an effort to eliminate auto grafts and design analogous synthetic nerve tubes for regeneration. Schwann cell alignment is critical for regeneration of nerves (Figure 1). Schwann cells provide the necessary growth factors and help in excretion of extra cellular matrix. Various researchers have successfully come up with gels that can promote regeneration along a short nerve gap. However, promoting regeneration across a long gap is still a challenge. This project focuses on the study of how the presence of gels in the nerve tube promotes and enhances alignment of Schwann cells, and thereon to solve the problem of nerve regeneration across long gaps.
The study involves observation of Schwann cell alignment in a guidance channel with agarose gel and with fibrin gel. Subsequently, we aim to study the effect of the introduction of filaments in the gels using a rat model.