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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Rapid Detection of Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in Human Neural Precursor Cells (NPCs)
Published on: March 2, 2018
Effect of PP-2A on neurite outgrowth in neuronal cells
Dan Liu1, Hong-Yun Zheng, Zheng-Zhao Luo
1Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Neuroscience, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP-2A) has been implicated to be crucial in neural development and the normal function of nervous system. However, little is known about its role in neuritogenesis. In this study, we reported that inhibition of PP-2A strongly suppresses the outgrowth of cell processes only during the initiation stage, while activation of PP-2A promotes extensive outgrowth of long neurites in Neura2A cells and long single axon or multiple axons in hippocampal neurons. Our results indicated that PP-2A may be an important positive regulator in neurite outgrowth, and upregulation PP-2A could be a possible target for the therapy of axonopathy in neural diseases.
Insights
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is vital for neural development. Activating PP2A promotes neurite outgrowth, suggesting it as a therapeutic target for neural diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) plays a critical role in neural development and nervous system function.
- The specific role of PP2A in neuritogenesis remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PP2A in neuritogenesis.
- To determine how PP2A activity influences neurite outgrowth and axon formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Neura2A cells and primary hippocampal neurons.
- Manipulated PP2A activity through inhibition and activation.
- Observed and quantified neurite outgrowth and axon development.
Main Results:
- Inhibition of PP2A significantly suppressed neurite outgrowth during the initiation stage.
- Activation of PP2A promoted extensive outgrowth of long neurites in Neura2A cells.
- Activation of PP2A led to the formation of long single or multiple axons in hippocampal neurons.
Conclusions:
- PP2A acts as a crucial positive regulator of neurite outgrowth.
- Upregulating PP2A activity presents a potential therapeutic strategy for axonopathies in neurological disorders.

