Netrin-1 overexpression promotes white matter repairing and remodeling after focal cerebral ischemia in mice

J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2013 Dec;33(12):1921-7. doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2013.150. Epub 2013 Aug 21.

Abstract

Damage of oligodendrocytes after ischemia has negative impact on white matter integrity and neuronal function. In this work, we explore whether Netrin-1 (NT-1) overexpression facilitates white matter repairing and remodeling. Adult CD-1 mice received stereotactic injection of adeno-associated virus carrying NT-1 gene (AAV-NT-1). One week after gene transfer, mice underwent 60 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The effect of NT-1 on neural function was evaluated by neurobehavioral tests. Proliferated oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), newly matured oligodendrocytes, and remyelination were semi-quantified by immunohistochemistry. The role of NT-1 in oligodendrogenesis was further explored by examining specific NT-1 receptors and their function. Netrin-1 overexpression was detected in neurons and astrocytes 2 weeks after AAV-NT-1 gene transfer and significantly improved the neurobehavioral outcomes compared with the control (P<0.05). In comparison with the control, proliferated OPCs, newly matured oligodendrocytes, and remyelination were greatly increased in the ipsilateral hemisphere of AAV-NT-1-transduced mice. Furthermore, both NT-1 receptors deleted in colorectal carcinoma and UNC5H2 were expressed on OPCs whereas only UNC5H2 was expressed in myelinated axons. Our study indicated that NT-1 promoted OPC proliferation, differentiation, and increased remyelination, suggesting that NT-1 is a promising factor for white matter repairing and remodeling after ischemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Animals
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / physiopathology
  • Brain Ischemia / genetics*
  • Brain Ischemia / pathology
  • Brain Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Genetic Vectors / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism
  • Myelin Sheath / pathology
  • Nerve Growth Factors / genetics*
  • Netrin-1
  • Oligodendroglia / cytology
  • Oligodendroglia / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia / pathology*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / pathology
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Ntn1 protein, mouse
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Netrin-1