Induction of astrocyte differentiation by endothelial cells
1Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Stanford, California 94305-5125, USA.
Summary
Endothelial cells in the developing rat optic nerve induce astrocyte differentiation. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) from endothelial cells is key to this process, establishing a new model for blood-brain barrier research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Astrocyte differentiation is crucial for nervous system development.
- Astrocyte precursor cells generate astrocytes in the embryonic optic nerve.
- The precise mechanisms controlling astrocyte differentiation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms controlling astrocyte differentiation in the developing rat optic nerve.
- To determine the role of endothelial cells in inducing astrocyte differentiation.
- To explore the involvement of Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in this process.
Main Methods:
- Developed an immunopanning method to purify endothelial cells from embryonic optic nerves.
- Co-cultured purified endothelial cells with purified astrocyte precursor cells in vitro.
- Utilized neutralizing antisera against LIF and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) to block specific signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Purified endothelial cells, but not other optic nerve cell types, strongly induced astrocyte differentiation in vitro.
- Endothelial cells express Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) mRNA.
- Neutralizing anti-LIF antiserum, but not anti-CNTF antiserum, prevented endothelial cell-induced astrocyte differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cells play a significant role in inducing astrocyte differentiation.
- Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) mediates the inductive effect of endothelial cells on astrocyte differentiation.
- This study establishes a valuable model system for future research on blood-brain barrier development.
