Arginase I and polyamines act downstream from cyclic AMP in overcoming inhibition of axonal growth MAG and myelin in vitro

Neuron. 2002 Aug 15;35(4):711-9. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(02)00826-7.

Abstract

Elevation of cAMP can overcome myelin inhibitors to encourage regeneration of the CNS. We show that a consequence of elevated cAMP is the synthesis of polyamines, resulting from an up-regulation of Arginase I, a key enzyme in their synthesis. Inhibiting polyamine synthesis blocks the cAMP effect on regeneration. Either over-expression of Arginase I or exogenous polyamines can overcome inhibition by MAG and by myelin in general. While MAG/myelin support the growth of young DRG neurons, they become inhibitory as DRGs mature. Endogenous Arginase I levels are high in young DRGs but drop spontaneously at an age that coincides with the switch from promotion to inhibition by MAG/myelin. Over-expressing Arginase I in maturing DRGs blocks that switch. Arginase I and polyamines are more specific targets than cAMP for intervention to encourage regeneration after CNS injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arginase / biosynthesis*
  • Arginase / genetics
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / pharmacology
  • Bucladesine / pharmacology
  • CHO Cells
  • Central Nervous System / cytology
  • Central Nervous System / growth & development*
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Cricetinae
  • Cyclic AMP / metabolism*
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Down-Regulation / drug effects
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Ganglia, Spinal / drug effects
  • Ganglia, Spinal / growth & development
  • Ganglia, Spinal / metabolism
  • Growth Cones / drug effects
  • Growth Cones / metabolism*
  • Growth Cones / ultrastructure
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism*
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / biosynthesis*
  • Nerve Growth Factors / pharmacology
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology
  • Polyamines / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Polyamines / metabolism*
  • Putrescine / pharmacology
  • Rats
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects
  • Transcription, Genetic / physiology
  • Transfection
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects
  • Up-Regulation / physiology

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Polyamines
  • Bucladesine
  • Cyclic AMP
  • Arginase
  • Putrescine

Associated data

  • RefSeq/NM_017134