Cell transplantation shows promise for repair of the injured nervous system, including spinal cord injury (SCI) and peripheral nerve injury (PNI). There are, however, still problems hampering these therapies moving from bench to bedside, and the methods need optimization. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems are suggested to improve outcomes, bridging the gap between the in vitro and in vivo environments. In such constructs, cells are allowed to interact with each other and with the extracellular matrix (ECM) in 3D as they do in vivo. Transplanting cells in 3D constructs, rather than in suspension, is thought to promote cell survival and maintain important cellular behaviors. One such critical behavior is cell migration into and within the injury site. Understanding and controlling the migratory capability of 3D-cultured cells is therefore pivotal for developing better transplantation techniques. ECM remodelling can influence numerous cellular functions, including cell migration and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important enzymes for ECM modulation. Here, we discuss the idea of modulating MMPs to control cell migration in 3D culture systems, which can improve the therapeutic potential of cells transplanted in 3D.
Keywords: 3D culture; MMPs; Olfactory ensheathing cells; extracellular matrix; migration; peripheral nerve; spinal cord injury.