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Hepatocyte growth factor is a mitogen for olfactory ensheathing cells
H Yan1, X Nie, J D Kocsis
1Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, VA Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|December 18, 2001
Summary
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) significantly increases olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) proliferation in vitro. This HGF-induced OEC growth is mediated by the c-Met receptor, suggesting a role in OEC development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a known mitogen affecting various cell types.
- HGF influences DNA synthesis, migration, and morphogenesis, including in the olfactory system.
- Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) play crucial roles in the olfactory system's development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mitogenic potential of HGF on olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) proliferation in vitro.
- To determine if the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway regulates OEC growth.
Main Methods:
- OECs were isolated from adult rat olfactory bulbs and cultured.
- Cell proliferation was assessed using Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assays.
- Immunocytochemistry was employed to detect c-Met receptor expression and test the effect of c-Met antibodies.
Main Results:
- HGF (5-100 ng/ml) induced a 5-10 fold increase in OEC proliferation.
- Cultured OECs expressed the c-Met receptor, and anti-c-Met antibodies blocked HGF's mitogenic effect.
- Heregulin potentiated HGF's activity, while forskolin inhibited it.
Conclusions:
- HGF acts as a novel mitogen for rat OECs in vitro.
- The HGF/c-Met signaling pathway is involved in regulating OEC growth and development.