A Nanodiamond-Based Surface Topography Downregulates the MicroRNA miR6236 to Enhance Neuronal Development and Regeneration

It
has been well studied that the surface topography affects the
growth and development of neurons. However, the precise mechanism
of how the surface topography leads to cellular changes remains unknown.
In this study, an irregular surface was created using nanodiamonds,
and this surface topography was found to accelerate the development
of primary neurons from both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
With the use of RNA sequencing technology, a previously uncharacterized
microRNA (miR6236) was found to exhibit a significant and the most
substantial decrease when neurons are cultured on this nanodiamond
surface. Gain- and loss-of-function assays confirm that miR6236 is
the predominant molecule responsible for converting the surface topography
into biological responses. The depletion of miR6236 was also discovered
to enhance neuroregeneration on an inhibitory substrate, raising its
therapeutic potential for promoting nervous system regeneration.