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Human stem cells express substance P gene and its receptor
Y Li1, S D Douglas, W Ho
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Journal of Hematotherapy & Stem Cell Research
|September 12, 2000
Summary
Human stem cells express Substance P (SP) and its receptor, neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). This finding suggests SP plays a role in the hematopoietic regulating network, impacting blood cell formation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide involved in various physiological processes.
- The role of SP and its receptor in human stem cells is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of SP and its receptor, neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), in human stem cells.
- To determine the functional relevance of SP in stem cell biology.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for mRNA detection.
- Southern blot assay for transcript confirmation.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA) for protein detection.
- DNA sequencing for transcript identification.
Main Results:
- SP mRNA (beta, gamma, delta transcripts) and NK-1R mRNA were detected in human stem cell lines (TF-1) and primary cells (HPCB).
- Human stem cells produced endogenous SP, which was released by capsaicin.
- SP transcripts in HPCB cells were identical to those in human neurons.
Conclusions:
- Human stem cells express both SP and its receptor, NK-1R.
- SP is biologically involved in the hematopoietic regulating network.
- These findings open new avenues for understanding stem cell regulation and potential therapeutic targets.