Title: DNA nanotechnology for modulating the growth and development of neurons

Abstract

Objectives: DNA nanodevice was developed for the bioimaging of late prenatal growth, early postnatal growth, and layering of the neocortical neurons (NC-Ns) which play determining roles in the development of the cerebral cortex (CC). Scope: Here, we systematically explore the interactive role of neuronal surface receptors (NSRs) on cytoskeleton activation (CA) and the piconewton (pN) force generation (P-FG) and their influence on the proper development, growth, and functioning of neurons using a designed DNA nanomechanical device (DNA-NMD). Methods: The DNA-NMD, functioning as a molecular tension probe (MTP), was used to selectively bind the different NSRs (β-NGFR, Reelin, and Integrin) to mono-, bi-, and trip specifically activate the receptors on the NC-Ns surface for imaging and calculating the P-FG involved in various processes. Results: Measurements in vivo on the brain of newly born Institute of Cancer Research mice(early postnatal) or in vitro after extracting neurons from the fetal brain of pregnant Institute of Cancer Research mice (late prenatal) reveal that there are augmented interactive roles of theβ-NGFR with Integrin and Reelin receptors (RR) on the CA and P-FG. Conclusion: The DNA-NMD enhanced the cytoskeletal activations and directional migration of the neuronal endings (M-NEs), which favored layering, the somal terminal translocation (S-TT),and the early postnatal growth.