Peptide‐based scaffold for nitric oxide induced differentiation of neuroblastoma cells

Sandeep Verma; Ashok Kumar; Hilal Ahmed Pal; Parvaiz Sheikh; Anamika Singh; Apurva Panjla

Index: 10.1002/cbic.201800065

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Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous messenger involved in neuronal differentiation, development and synaptogenesis, in addition to many other physiological functions. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain optimal nitric oxide concentration to ensure its biochemical function. We describe a sustained NO‐releasing scaffold, which supports neuronal cell differentiation as judged by morphometric analysis of neurite outgrowth. Moreover, its effect on neuroblastoma cell line was also confirmed by immunofluorescent analysis of NeuN (neuronal nuclear protein), specific neuronal marker, and neurofilament (NF) protein, which revealed a significant increase in their expression levels, when compared to undifferentiated cells.