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Published on: February 25, 2014
Progranulin expression is upregulated after spinal contusion in mice
Swati B Naphade1, Kristina A Kigerl, Lyn B Jakeman
1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Acta Neuropathologica
|December 1, 2009
Summary
Progranulin (proepithelin) levels significantly increase in myeloid cells following spinal cord injury. This finding suggests progranulin plays a role in the response to acute spinal cord injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Progranulin (proepithelin) is a growth factor involved in inflammation and tissue repair.
- It has been linked to brain injury and neurodegenerative conditions.
- Its role in spinal cord injury is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate progranulin expression changes in the spinal cord after acute injury.
- To identify the cell types responsible for altered progranulin levels.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6 mice underwent T9 contusion spinal cord injury.
- Immunohistochemistry and biochemical methods were used for analysis.
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assessed transcript levels.
Main Results:
- Progranulin immunoreactivity intensely increased in the injury epicenter, peaking 7-14 days post-injury.
- Increased progranulin colocalized with myeloid cell markers (CD11b, CD68), indicating expression in microglia and macrophages.
- Progranulin protein and transcript levels rose significantly (tenfold increase in transcripts).
Conclusions:
- Progranulin is significantly induced in myeloid cells after experimental spinal cord injury.
- The timing and location suggest progranulin influences spinal cord injury recovery.
- Further research is warranted to explore progranulin's therapeutic potential.
