Overexpressing NeuroD1 reprograms Müller cells into various types of retinal neurons

The onset of retinal degenerative disease is often associated with neuronal loss. Therefore, how to regenerate new neurons to restore vision is an important issue. NeuroD1 is a neural transcription factor with the ability to reprogram brain astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that in adult mice, NeuroD1 can reprogram Müller cells, the principal glial cell type in the retina, to become retinal neurons. Most strikingly, ectopic expression of NeuroD1 using two different viral vectors converted Müller cells into different cell types. Specifically, AAV7 m8 GFAP681::GFP-ND1 converted Müller cells into inner retinal neurons, including amacrine cells and ganglion cells. In contrast, AAV9 GFAP104::ND1-GFP converted Müller cells into outer retinal neurons such as photoreceptors and horizontal cells, with higher conversion efficiency. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Müller cell conversion induced by AAV9 GFAP104::ND1-GFP displayed clear dose-and time-dependence. These results indicate that Müller cells in adult mice are highly plastic and can be reprogrammed into various subtypes of retinal neurons.

Hierarchical model for strain generalized streaming potential induced by the canalicular fluid flow of an osteon

A hierarchical model is developed to predict the streaming potential(SP) in the canaliculi of a loaded osteon. Canaliculi are assumed to run straight across the osteon annular cylinder wall, while disregarding the effect of lacuna. SP is generalized by the canalicular fluid flow. Analytical solutions are obtained for the canalicular fluid velocity, pressure, and SP. Results demonstrate that SP amplitude(SPA) is proportional to the pressure difference, strain amplitude, frequency, and strain rate amplitude. However, the key loading factor governing SP is the strain rate, which is a representative loading parameter under the specific physiological state. Moreover, SPA is independent of canalicular length. This model links external loads to the canalicular fluid pressure, velocity, and SP, which can facilitate further understanding of the mechanotransduction and electromechanotransduction mechanisms of bones.

Poroelastic behaviors of the osteon: A comparison of two theoretical osteon models

In the paper, two theoretical poroelastic osteon models are presented to compare their poroelastic behaviors, one is the hollow osteon model (Haversian fluid is neglected) and the other is the osteon model with Haversian fluid considered. They both have the same two types of impermeable exterior boundary conditions, one is elastic restraint and the other is displacement constrained, which can be used for analyzing other experiments performed on similarly shaped poroelastic specimens. The obtained analytical pressure and velocity solutions demonstrate the effects of the loading factors and the material parameters, which may have a significant stimulus to the mechanotransduction of bone remodeling signals. Model comparisons indicate: (1) The Haversian fluid can enhance the whole osteonal fluid pressure and velocity fields. (2) In the hollow model, the key loading factor governing the poroelastic behavior of the osteon is strain rate, while in the model with Haversian fluid considered, the strain rate governs only the velocity. (3) The pressure amplitude is proportional to the loading frequency in the hollow model, while in the model with Haversian fluid considered, the loading frequency has little effect on the pressure amplitude.

Analysis of kinematic data and determination of ground reaction force of foot in slow squat

In the present paper, the ground reaction force (GRF) acting on foot in slow squat was determined through a force measuring system, and at the same time, the kinematic data of human squat were obtained by analyzing the photographed image sequences. According to the height and body weight, six healthy volunteers were selected, three men in one group and the other three women in another group, and the fundamental parameters of subjects were recorded, including body weight, height and age, etc. Based on the anatomy characteristics, some markers were placed on the right side of joints. While the subject squatted at slow speed on the force platform, the ground reaction forces on the forefoot and heel for each foot were obtained through calibrated force platform. The analysis results show that the reaction force on heel is greater than that on forefoot, and double feet have nearly constant force. Moreover, from processing and analyzing the synchronously photographed image sequences in squat, the kinematic data of human squat were acquired, including mainly the curves of angle, angular velocity and angular acceleration varied with time for knee, hip and ankle joints in a sagittal plane. The obtained results can offer instructive reference for photographing and analyzing the movements of human bodies, diagnosing some diseases, and establishing in the future appropriate mathematical models for the human motion.