Self-Assembled Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructures Promote Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Neuronal Differentiation

Abstract

Stem cell-based therapy is considered a promising approach for the repair of nervous tissues. Neural stem cells (NSCs) cannot proliferate or differentiate efficiently; hence, different biomaterials have been explored to improve NSC proliferation and differentiation. However, these agents either had low bioavailability or poor biocompatibility. In this work, our group investigated the effects of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs), a novel DNA biological material, on the self-renew and differentiation of neuroectodermal (NE-4C) stem cells. We observed that TDN treatment promoted self-renew of the stem cells via activating the Wnt/β -catenin pathway. In addition, our findings suggested that NE-4C stem cells' neuronal differentiation could be promoted effectively by TDNs via inhibiting the notch signaling pathway. In summary, this is the first report about the effects of TDNs on the proliferation and differentiation of NE-4C stem cells and the results demonstrate that TDNs have a great potential in nerve tissue regeneration.

Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures facilitate neural stem cell migration via activating RHOA/ROCK2 signalling pathway

“…Therefore, TDNs possess excellent structural stability, mechanical rigidity and modification versatility . Previous studies of TDNs have shown that different cells could internalize TDNs, and then TDNs exerted influence on the cells’ biological behaviours under certain conditions . For instance, TNDs could maintain the chondrocyte phenotype, promote chondrocyte proliferation and accelerate dental pulp stem cells osteo/odontogenic differentiation .…”

Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids Promote Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing in Vitro and in Vivo

“…Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) are synthesized by four isometric single‐stranded DNAs through a simple, rapid, and reliable process, which have been identified as 3D DNA nanostructures with a stable structure and superior mechanical properties . Many biological functions can be affected after tFNAs are transported into cells, including osteogenic differentiation, nerve tissue regeneration, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects . In addition, tFNAs can be easily formulated as eye drops, which can be very convenient for experimental research and clinical use in the future.…”

A Molecular Hero Suit for In Vitro and In Vivo DNA Nanostructures

“…Finally, we encourage developments in disciplines which have not heavily utilized designer DNA nanostructures. A discipline in which we have seen some initial work, but believe can be further developed, is the control of stem cell behavior/differentiation . For example, multiple ephrin molecules (a protein ligand) may interact with multiple Eph receptors to induce stem cell differentiation; placing this molecule at different spacing may induce different stem cell behaviors ( Figure ).…”