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Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Assessing Cell Cycle Progression of Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells in the Mouse Developing Brain after Genotoxic Stress
09:51

Assessing Cell Cycle Progression of Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells in the Mouse Developing Brain after Genotoxic Stress

Published on: May 7, 2014

Cell cycle activation linked to neuronal cell death initiated by DNA damage

Inna I Kruman1, Robert P Wersto, Fernando Cardozo-Pelaez

  • 1Research Resources Branch, Intramural Research Program, 5600 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. inna.kruman@sunhealth.org

Neuron
|February 26, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Cell cycle activation in neurons signals DNA damage, leading to cell death (apoptosis). Blocking DNA damage response pathways prevents this, but not other cell death triggers.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Neurodegeneration is linked to cell cycle activation in neurons.
  • The role of cell cycle events in neuronal apoptosis is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if cell cycle activation is a key part of the DNA damage response in postmitotic neurons.
  • To determine if DNA damage triggers cell cycle reentry and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Cortical neurons were treated with genotoxic (etoposide, methotrexate, homocysteine) and non-genotoxic (staurosporine, colchicine) compounds.
  • The role of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) in DNA damage response was assessed.
  • Apoptosis and cell cycle reentry were measured.

Main Results:

  • Genotoxic compounds induced apoptosis and cell cycle reentry in neurons.
  • Non-genotoxic compounds triggered apoptosis without cell cycle activation.
  • ATM inhibition reduced DNA damage-induced apoptosis and cell cycle reentry.

Conclusions:

  • Cell cycle activation is a critical component of the DNA damage response in postmitotic neurons.
  • This response pathway leads to neuronal apoptosis.
  • ATM is crucial for mediating DNA damage-induced cell cycle activation and apoptosis.

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