Aim: To differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into functional dopaminergic neurons using an electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) and graphene (G) nanocomposite. Methods: A one-step approach was used to electrospin the PCL nanocomposite, with varying G concentrations, followed by evaluating their biocompatibility and neuronal differentiation. Results: PCL with exiguous graphene demonstrated an ideal nanotopography with an unprecedented combination of guidance stimuli and substrate cues, aiding the enhanced differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into dopaminergic neurons. These newly differentiated neurons were seen to exhibit unique neuronal arborization, enhanced intracellular Ca2+ influx and dopamine secretion. Conclusion: Having cost-effective fabrication and room-temperature storage, the PCL-G nanocomposites could pave the way for enhanced neuronal differentiation, thereby opening a new horizon for an array of applications in neural regenerative medicine.

Nanotopography

Regenerative Medicine

Biocompatibility

Neural tissue engineering

Polycaprolactone

10.2217/nnm-2021-0121

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Citations (13)

A change in structural integrity of c-Kit mutant D816V causes constitutive signaling

Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis (2018)

Pawan Kumar Raghav Ajay Singh Gurudutta Gangenahalli

Structural integrity

10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2018.02.001

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Current Insights to Therapeutic Targets of ROS Induced Gastric Cancer Stem Cells

Handbook of Oxidative Stress in Cancer: Therapeutic Aspects (2021)

Amrita Nandan Pawan Kumar Raghav Avani Srivastava Santosh K. Tiwari Ajay Kumar Shukla

Gastric cancer (GC) or stomach cancer is a form of malignancy originating from the gastric epithelium. GC accounts for approximately 5.6% of all new cancers diagnosed each year and is the fifth most common reason for cancer-related fatality globally. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential components engaged in the biological development of GC. In a tumor microenvironment, ROS is responsible for initiating angiogenesis, metastasis, and cancer cell survival at varied concentrations. It is important for either augmenting tumorigenesis or causing apoptosis of tumor cells. ROS nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) act as GC's primary causative agent. Consumption of alcohol and the presence of stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori are linked with ROS formation in GC. ROS directs the damage of gastric tissues by attacking the DNA or disrupting cellular signaling. Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) or progenitor cells are proposed as gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) candidates. BMDCs contribute to GC by migrating and repopulating the gastric mucosa during infections. Understanding the role of GCSC in the tumor microenvironment is crucial for GC treatment. The emergence of novel candidates targeting the crucial mechanisms and molecules associated with the development of GCSCs and the encompassing environment may provide new opportunities for the comprehensive treatment of GC.

10.1007/978-981-16-1247-3_255-1

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Citations (1)