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Macrophage-stimulating protein is a neurotrophic factor for embryonic chicken hypoglossal motoneurons
Oliver Schmidt1, Epaminondas Doxakis, Alun M Davies
1Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Summerhall Square, Edinburgh EH9 1QH, Scotland, UK.
Abstract:
Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) exerts a variety of biological actions on many cell types, but has no known functions in the brain. MSP is structurally related to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), another pleiotropic factor whose many functions include promoting neuronal survival and growth. To investigate whether MSP is also capable of acting as a neurotrophic factor, we purified hypoglossal motoneurons from the embryonic chicken hindbrain because these neurons are known to express the MSP receptor tyrosine kinase RON. MSP promoted the in vitro survival of these neurons during the period of naturally occurring neuronal death and enhanced the growth of neurites from these neurons. MSP mRNA was detected in the developing tongue whose musculature is innervated by hypoglossal neurons. Our study demonstrates that MSP is a neurotrophic factor for a population of developing motoneurons.
Insights
Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) acts as a novel neurotrophic factor. This protein promotes the survival and neurite growth of developing hypoglossal motoneurons, indicating a new role in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) has diverse biological roles but its function in the brain is unknown.
- MSP is structurally similar to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a known neurotrophic factor.
- Hypoglossal motoneurons express the MSP receptor tyrosine kinase, RON.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential neurotrophic functions of MSP.
- To determine if MSP supports the survival and growth of developing neurons.
Main Methods:
- Purification of embryonic chicken hypoglossal motoneurons.
- In vitro culture of neurons to assess survival and neurite outgrowth.
- Detection of MSP mRNA in developing tongue tissue.
Main Results:
- MSP significantly promoted the in vitro survival of hypoglossal motoneurons during natural cell death.
- MSP enhanced neurite outgrowth from these developing neurons.
- MSP mRNA was found in the developing tongue, the target organ of these neurons.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) functions as a neurotrophic factor for developing hypoglossal motoneurons.
- MSP plays a role in neuronal development and survival within the nervous system.
- This study reveals a previously unrecognized function of MSP in the brain.