Mapping the mechanical heterogeneity of the brain, and why this matters (Conference Presentation)

Jochen R. Guck

doi:10.1117/12.2256083

24 April 2017 Mapping the mechanical heterogeneity of the brain, and why this matters (Conference Presentation)

Jochen R. Guck

Proceedings Volume 10067, Optical Elastography and Tissue Biomechanics IV; 100670A (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2256083
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

It is increasingly recognized that cells measure and respond to the mechanics of their environment. We are especially interested in this mechanosensing during CNS development and pathologies. Using quantitative scanning force microscopy we have shown that various neural tissues are very compliant (shear modulus < 1 kPa) and mechanically heterogeneous. We have recreated compliant polyacrylamide gel substrate with shear moduli between 0.1 and 30 kPa to match and exceed those of CNS tissue. Various primary neurons and glial cells have been cultured on these gels and their reaction studied. Both primary microglia and astrocytes responded to increasing substrate stiffness by changes in morphology and upregulation of inflammatory genes. Upon implantation of composite hydrogel stripes into rat brains, foreign body reactions were significantly enhanced around the stiff parts of the implant. It appears that the mechanical mismatch between a neural implant and native tissue might be at the root of foreign body reactions. Also oligodendrocytes are mechanosensitive as their survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation capacity in vitro depend on substrate stiffness. This finding might be linked to the failure of remyelination in chronic demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. And finally, we have also shown retinal ganglion axon pathfinding in the early embryonic Xenopus brain development to be instructed by stiffness gradients. These results form the basis for further investigations into the mechanobiology of cell function in the CNS. Ultimately, this research could help treating previously incurable neuropathologies such as spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.

Conference Presentation

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Jochen R. Guck "Mapping the mechanical heterogeneity of the brain, and why this matters (Conference Presentation)", Proc. SPIE 10067, Optical Elastography and Tissue Biomechanics IV, 100670A (24 April 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2256083

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KEYWORDS

Brain

Tissues

Brain mapping

Atomic force microscopy

Composites

Environmental sensing

Glia

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