Limited ability of axonal regeneration in the mature nervous system results in low recovery rate and often functional loss following neurotraumatic injuries and neuropathies. The mature optic nerve in the adult brain cannot regenerate after damage, an ophthalmic condition commonly seen in glaucoma and one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide.
This project aims to verify the therapeutic effect and the underlying biological mechanisms of a designer bioactive nanostructure, VGF-derived TLQP-21 peptide amphiphile, in promoting adult neurogenesis. Recent studies identified that the VGF protein, a precursor polypeptide family induced by neurotrophic factors, plays an instructive role in neurogenesis in the adult brain. In collaboration with Northwestern University, we have generated VGF-derivative TLQP-21 peptide amphiphile (PA) nanostructures, which can be safely delivered to the brain and act as dynamic bioactive nanofibers to trigger neuronal repair in primary cell culture experiments.
This project aims to verify the therapeutic effect and the underlying biological mechanisms of a designer bioactive nanostructure, VGF-derived TLQP-21 peptide amphiphile, in promoting adult neurogenesis. Recent studies identified that the VGF protein, a precursor polypeptide family induced by neurotrophic factors, plays an instructive role in neurogenesis in the adult brain. In collaboration with Northwestern University, we have generated VGF-derivative TLQP-21 peptide amphiphile (PA) nanostructures, which can be safely delivered to the brain and act as dynamic bioactive nanofibers to trigger neuronal repair in primary cell culture experiments.
