Electrical Stimulation Promoted Transdifferentiation of SCAPs Into Schwann-Like Cells

Abstract

Objectives: Schwann cells (SCs) are the most prospective supporting cells for neural tissue regeneration. However, due to the deficiency of cell sources, SCs’ clinical applications are restricted. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of electrical stimulation (ES) on the differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) into SC-like cells (SCLCs), which were seeded on the conductive scaffolds with addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Methods: SCAPs were seeded on the surface of pretreated GelMA/CNT scaffolds in ES-customized 6-well dishes, and cultured in the specific induction medium with or without ES. The mRNA and protein expressions of SC-specific markers were detected by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescent staining. The secretion of neural growth factors by SCLCs was assessed by ELISA. Results: ES significantly accelerated the differentiation of SCAPs into SCLCs on the GelMA/CNT scaffolds. SCAPs started morphological changes at day 5. More than 80% of SCAPs were stained positive for S100B and GFAP at day 7. mRNA and protein levels of S100B, GFAP and GAP43 in ES treated groups were significantly greater than these in the groups without ES treatment. The secretion of BDNF and NGF by SCLCs was significantly higher than that secreted by SCAPs. Conclusions: The strategy investigated in this study using ES in combination with GelMA/CNTs, could shorten the duration of stimulation and greatly improve the efficiency of SCAPs differentiating into SCLCs. The differentiated SCLCs from SCAPs could be a promising candidate for neural tissue regeneration.