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Netrin 1 mediates spinal cord oligodendrocyte precursor dispersal
Hui-Hsin Tsai1, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, Robert H Miller
1Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School Of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|April 2, 2003
Summary
Netrin 1 repels oligodendrocyte precursor cells, guiding their migration from the ventral spinal cord. This chemorepellent response is crucial for the initial dispersal of these myelin-forming cells during development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs) originate in the ventral ventricular zone of the spinal cord.
- These OPCs migrate extensively throughout the spinal cord to form myelin.
- Netrin 1 is present in the ventral ventricular zone during OPC emigration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Netrin 1 in guiding oligodendrocyte precursor cell migration.
- To determine the mechanism by which Netrin 1 influences OPC dispersal.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays examining Netrin 1's effect on OPCs.
- Use of function-blocking anti-DCC antibodies.
- Analysis of OPC migration in spinal cord slice preparations.
Main Results:
- Netrin 1 acts as a chemorepellent for OPCs, antagonizing platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) chemoattraction.
- OPCs express Netrin 1 receptors DCC and UNC5.
- Blocking DCC function inhibits Netrin 1-mediated chemorepulsion and OPC migration from the ventral ventricular zone.
Conclusions:
- Netrin 1-mediated chemorepulsion guides the initial dispersal of oligodendrocyte precursors from their ventral ventricular zone origin.
- The DCC receptor plays a critical role in this Netrin 1-guided migration process.