TGFbeta1 modulates the phenotype of Schwann cells at the transcriptional level

Mol Cell Neurosci. 2002 Mar;19(3):307-19. doi: 10.1006/mcne.2001.1094.

Abstract

We have examined the effects of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) on gene expression in cultured rat Schwann cells (SCs). TGFbeta1 decreased the steady-state mRNA levels of several genes that are expressed by myelinating SCs but had varied effects on the mRNA levels of NCAM, L1, GAP-43, and p75-genes that are expressed by denervated and nonmyelinating SCs. TGFbeta1 antagonized the effects of forskolin on the mRNA levels of the transcription factors Oct-6/tst-1/SCIP and Krox20. Transcriptional run-off analysis demonstrated that the effects of TGFbeta1 on gene expression occur at least in part at the level of transcription. Thus, TGFbeta1 suppresses the expression of genes that characterize the different phenotypes of SCs, and these changes occur at least in part at a transcriptional level.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Colforsin / pharmacology
  • Culture Media / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Male
  • Myelin Sheath / physiology
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-6
  • Phenotype
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Schwann Cells / cytology
  • Schwann Cells / drug effects*
  • Schwann Cells / physiology*
  • Sciatic Nerve / cytology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Pou3f1 protein, rat
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Tgfb1 protein, rat
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-6
  • Colforsin