Modulatory properties of extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans on neural stem cells behavior: Highlights on regenerative potential and bioactivity

Despite the poor regenerative capacity of the adult central nervous system (CNS) in mammals, two distinct regions, subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ), continue to generate new functional neurons throughout life which integrate into the pre-existing neuronal circuitry. This process is not fixed but highly modulated, revealing many intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms by which this performance can be optimized for a given environment. The capacity for self-renewal, proliferation, migration, and multi-lineage potency of neural stem cells (NSCs) underlines the necessity of controlling stem cell fate. In this context, the native and local micro-environment plays a critical role, and the application of this highly organized architecture in the CNS has been considered as a fundamental concept in the generation of new effective therapeutic strategies in tissue engineering approaches. The brain extra cellular matrix (ECM) is composed of biomacro molecules, including glycosamino-glycans, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins that provide various biological actions through biophysical and biochemical signaling pathways. Herein, we review predominantly the structure and function of the mentioned ECM composition and their regulatory impact on multiple and diversity of biological functions, including neural regeneration, survival, migration, differentiation, and final destiny of NSCs. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Despite the limited regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian central nervous system, new functional neurons continue to be generated in the SVZ and SGZ regions. The abilities of neural stem cells emphasize the importance of controlling stem cell fate, with the local microenvironment playing a critical role in neural tissue engineering.