Degradable PRGD/PDLLA/β-TCP/NGF composites promote differentiation and regulate gene expression in rat pheochromocytoma cells

Abstract

In this study, we synthesized degradable PRGD/PDLLA/-TCP/NGF composites to facilitate neuronal repair. To this end, we (1) examined the release of nerve growth factor (NGF) from the composites, (2) evaluated the differentiation status of the cells and (3) address how transcriptional activity may regulate the differentiation mechanism of these cells. NGF content was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while the cellular mRNA expression was examined by real-time PCR analysis. Our results indicated that NGF release was robust during the first 10 days and then stabilized at a lower level thereafter. Treatment of PC12 cells with the extract of the NGF-embedded composites induced the formation of neurites and, in some cases, net-like neurites. Analysis of the expression level of differentiation-related genes, such as TrkA, VGF, Rab1, GAP43 and β-tubulin II, were significantly up-regulated. These findings suggest that these composites might be a suitable delivery system for growth factors like NGF that can be used to facilitate neuronal repair after injury.nerve guidance conduit, nerve growth factor, neuronal repair, PC12 cells Citation:Qiu T, Yu C, Yan Q J, et al. Degradable PRGD/PDLLA/-TCP/NGF composites promote differentiation and regulate gene expression in rat pheochromocytoma cells.