The influence of tag sequence on recombinant humanized collagen (rhCol) and the evaluation of rhCol on Schwann cell behaviors

Abstract

Recombinant humanized collagen was an extracellular matrix (ECM)-inspired biomimetic biomaterial and prepared by biosynthesis technology, which was considered as non-allergenic and could possibly activate tissue regeneration. The influence of tag sequence on both structures and performances of recombinant humanized collagen type III (rhCol III) was investigated, and the effect of rhCol III on cell behaviors was evaluated and discussed using Schwann cells (SCs) as in vitro model which was critical in the repair process after peripheral nerve injury. The results demonstrated the introduction of tag sequence would influence both advanced structures and properties of rhCol III, while rhCol III regulated SCs adhesion, spreading, migration and proliferation. Also, both nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increased when exposed to rhCol III. As the downstream proteins of integrin-mediated cell adhesions, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and expression of vinculin was up-regulated along with the promotion of SCs adhesion and migration. The current findings contributed to a better knowledge of the interactions between rhCol III and SCs, and further offered a theoretical and experimental foundation for the development of rhCol III based medical devices and clinical management of peripheral nerve injury.