In this merged, triple fluorescent image called PattSubLN-RPC-8-GFAP, from results of research being done in Prof. Don Sakaguchi‘s laboratory, the neural stem cells are expressing GFP, green fluorescent protein (green), and many of these neural progenitor cells have differentiated into glial cells expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (red). The nuclei of all of the cells were stained with DAPI (blue). The GFAP-expressing glial cells have their processes aligned horizontally in the direction of the patterned substrate. These results have important application in developing novel experimental strategies for neural regeneration.

In their efforts to develop experimental strategies to facilitate repair of the damaged nervous system, Professor Sakaguchi and his research team are manipulating the surrounding microenvironment to influence the differentiation of neural stem cells. They have cultured brain-derived neural stem cells on micropatterned substrates that were chemically modified with the extracellular matrix protein laminin (substrates fabricated in the laboratory of S. Mallapragada, Chem. & Biol. Eng., ISU). The micropatterned substrates provide physical and chemical cues, and produce an environment that can direct cell growth and differentiation.