Combined Strategy Of α9-Integrin Transduction and AEIDGIEL Peptide-Functionalized Fibrin Gel Biomaterials to Promote Mature DRG Neurite Growth

Spinal cord injury involves complex pathobiological mechanisms, necessitating a multidimensional approach for its cure. Previous studies have shown that α9-integrin expression and activation in mature dorsal root ganglion neurons enable the regeneration of injured axons within the spinal cord. However, tissue cavitation and fibrosis impede the regenerating axons from following their usual pathways, forcing them to seek alternative routes rich in tenascin-C, the primary ligand of the integrin. Fibrin gel can offer three-dimensional support for axonal extension through the cavitated area, preventing the formation of aberrant paths and connections that occur in the absence of a suitable scaffold. The aim of this study was to investigate how combining α9-integrin expression with the use of a fibrin gel as an extracellular microenvironment affects mature DRG neurites growth in vitro . Additionally, we sought to functionalize fibrin with AEIDGIEL peptide, the active domain of tenascin-C, to ensure α9-integrin activation. Our results indicate that fibrin gels are a suitable biomaterial for promoting neurite growth and that AEIDGIEL peptide effectively activates the integrin. In conclusion, the proposed combination therapy of α9-integrin and fibrin gel biomaterials incorporating AEIDGIEL peptide shows promise for addressing the complex challenges of spinal cord injury and promoting effective neural regeneration, laying the foundation for further in vivo research.