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Cytokines regulate c-Met expression in cultured astrocytes
Kenji Shimazaki1, Kazunari Yoshida, Yuji Hirose
1Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. kshimazaki@kmh.gr.jp
Brain Research
|January 25, 2003
Summary
We found that cultured astrocytes express c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) increase c-Met expression, while hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) decreases it, suggesting roles in nervous system regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Astrocytes play crucial roles in the central nervous system.
- The c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), are involved in cell growth, survival, and tissue repair.
- Cytokine regulation of astrocyte function is critical for neuronal health and regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of c-Met in cultured astrocytes.
- To determine the regulatory effects of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and HGF on c-Met expression in astrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry was used to detect c-Met expression.
- Western blotting was employed to quantify changes in c-Met protein levels.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyzed c-met gene expression.
Main Results:
- c-Met protein was detected in cultured astrocytes.
- Acidic and basic FGFs enhanced c-Met expression at both protein and gene levels.
- HGF reduced c-Met protein expression but enhanced c-met gene expression.
- FGFs and HGF modulated c-met expression in astrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Cultured astrocytes express functional c-Met.
- Cytokines like FGFs and HGF can regulate c-Met expression in astrocytes.
- These findings suggest a potential role for astrocyte c-Met in nervous system regeneration.