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Progesterone stimulates Krox-20 gene expression in Schwann cells
R Guennoun1, Y Benmessahel, B Delespierre
1INSERM U488, 80, rue du Général Leclerc, 94276, Bicêtre, France. guennoun@kb.inserm.fr
Brain Research. Molecular Brain Research
|May 30, 2001
Summary
Progesterone rapidly increases Krox-20 mRNA in Schwann cells, a key gene for peripheral nerve myelination. This finding reveals a signaling role for progesterone in promoting nerve repair and myelin formation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Krox-20 (Egr-2) is a transcription factor crucial for peripheral nerve myelination by Schwann cells.
- Progesterone has been shown to promote myelination in the regenerating sciatic nerve and in co-cultures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether progesterone regulates Krox-20 gene expression in Schwann cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism of progesterone's action on Krox-20 expression.
Main Methods:
- Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure Krox-20 mRNA levels in MSC80 mouse Schwann cell line.
- Primary cultures of neonatal rat Schwann cells were used to validate findings at mRNA and protein levels.
- Progesterone agonists and antagonists were employed to confirm the receptor-mediated action.
Main Results:
- Progesterone treatment rapidly and transiently increased Krox-20 mRNA levels in MSC80 cells.
- The effect was dose-dependent and specific to progesterone, with other steroids showing no effect.
- Progesterone-induced Krox-20 expression was confirmed in primary Schwann cells and involved the progesterone receptor.
Conclusions:
- Progesterone stimulates Krox-20 mRNA and protein expression in Schwann cells via its intracellular receptor.
- This action suggests a significant signaling role for progesterone in initiating peripheral nerve myelination.
- Progesterone's effect on Krox-20 provides a molecular basis for its role in promoting nerve repair.
