Multifunctional, multichannel bridges that deliver neurotrophin encoding lentivirus for regeneration following spinal cord injury

Hannah M. Tuinstra, Misael O. Aviles, Seungjin Shin, Samantha J. Holland, Marina L. Zelivyanskaya, Alan G. Fast, Sarah Y. Ko, Daniel J. Margul, Anne K. Bartels, Ryan M. Boehler, Brian J. Cummings, Aileen J. Anderson, Lonnie D. Shea*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

106 Scopus citations

Abstract

Therapeutic strategies following spinal cord injury must address the multiple barriers that limit regeneration. Multiple channel bridges have been developed that stabilize the injury following implantation and provide physical guidance for regenerating axons. These bridges have now been employed as a vehicle for localized delivery of lentivirus. Implantation of lentivirus loaded multiple channel bridges produced transgene expression that persisted for at least 4 weeks. Expression was maximal at the implant at the earliest time point, and decreased with increasing time of implantation, as well as rostral and caudal to the bridge. Immunohistochemical staining indicated transduction of macrophages, Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and astrocytes within the bridge and adjacent tissue. Subsequently, the delivery of lentivirus encoding the neurotrophic factors NT-3 or BDNF significantly increased the extent of axonal growth into the bridge relative to empty scaffolds. In addition to promoting axon growth, the induced expression of neurotrophic factors led to myelination of axons within the channels of the bridge, where the number of myelinated axons was significantly enhanced relative to control. Combining gene delivery with biomaterials to provide physical guidance and create a permissive environment can provide a platform to enhance axonal growth and promote regeneration.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1618-1626
Number of pages9
JournalBiomaterials
Volume33
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2012

Funding

Financial support for this research was provided by the NIH ( RO1 EB005678 , R21 EB006520 , RO1 EB 003806 ) and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation spinal cord injury core .

Keywords

  • Gene therapy
  • Lentivirus
  • Nerve regeneration
  • Neurotrophic factors
  • Spinal cord injury

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Bioengineering
  • Biophysics
  • Biomaterials

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