Proliferation and differentiation of a transfected schwann cell line is altered by an artificial basement membrane

Abstract

Rapidly dividing transfected Schwann cells were grown on Matrigel, a reconstituted basement membrane gel. Matrigel decreased the proliferation of the cells by 75% when compared to sister cultures that were grown on an untreated plastic substrate. Some transfected cells plated onto a Matrigel substrate formed colonies similar to that observed when the cells were plated on a plastic substrate. Additionally, many cells on Matrigel assembled themselves into fascicles projecting away from the colonies. These fascicles were composed of transfected Schwann cells that had assumed a bipolar appearance reminiscent of quiescent secondary Schwann cells in culture. Transfected cells grown on Matrigel contained approximately 10-fold less glial fibrillary acidic protein when compared to sister cultures grown on an untreated plastic substrate. By indirect immunofluorescence laminin immunoreactivity appeared as globules within the cytoplasm of the cells which were cultured on a plastic substrate. However, cells that were grown on the Matrigel substrate appear to organize laminin in a linear array around themselves. These results demonstrate that the presence of an artificial basement membrane alters the morphology, rate of proliferation, and state of differentiation of a transfected Schwann cell line.

Extracellular matrix upregulates synthesis of glucosylceramide-based glycosphingolipids in primary Schwann cells

“…We chose to use a thin coating of matrigel for our studies so that only one surface of the cell would contact the basement membrane, which more closely mimics the polarity that the Schwann cell encounters in vivo. On a thick layer of matrigel, such as that used in the study by Yoshino et al (1990), the primary Schwann cells appeared to embed themselves into the basement membrane matrix so that the entire surface of the cell was in contact with the matrix. In this case, circular patterns of elongated cells were formed, a morphology that was clearly different than that acquired by cells grown on a thin layer of matrigel (personal observation).…”

Matrigel supports survival and neuronal differentiation of grafted embryonic stem cell‐derived neural precursor cells

“…Although gfrMG has fewer growth factors than conventional MG, the supportive effect may result not only from better scaffolding but also from growth factors still present in gfrMG. Indeed, growth factors present in conventional MG appear to act on other types of cells, including olfactory ensheathing cells (Tisay and Key, 1999), Schwann cells (Yoshino et al, 1990), and bone marrow stromal cells (Qian and Saltzman, 2004).…”

Alginate hydrogel and matrigel as potential cell carriers for neurotransplantation

“…Matrigel is a well known extracellular matrix enhancing growth and migration of different cell types including OECs,41 SCs,42 and BMSCs 43. It was introduced in the present study to serve mainly as a control for alginate hydrogels.…”