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Neurite outgrowth in peripherin-depleted PC12 cells
C M Troy1, L A Greene, M L Shelanski
1Department of Pathology, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York 10032.
The Journal of Cell Biology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Peripherin protein is not essential for neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells. However, this intermediate filament protein is necessary for forming the cellular intermediate filament network, potentially for process stability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Peripherin is a major neuronal intermediate filament (IF) protein in PC12 cells.
- Its synthesis and levels increase during nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neuronal differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological function of peripherin in neurite initiation.
- To determine if peripherin is required for NGF-promoted neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth.
Main Methods:
- Used an antisense oligonucleotide to specifically inhibit peripherin transcription in PC12 cells.
- Assessed peripherin levels, neurite outgrowth via electron microscopy (EM), and levels of other IF proteins (NF-M, NF-L, vimentin).
Main Results:
- Antisense oligonucleotide treatment significantly reduced peripherin levels (to 11% of control) without affecting NGF-induced neurite outgrowth.
- Few intermediate filaments were observed in peripherin-depleted cells, with no compensatory increase in other IF proteins.
- Peripherin has a long cellular half-life of approximately 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Peripherin is not required for neurite formation but is necessary for establishing the cellular intermediate filament network.
- This network may play a role in neurite process stability.
- Antisense oligonucleotides are effective tools for studying proteins with long half-lives.