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A mitogen for Schwann cells is derived from myelin basic protein
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298.
Abstract:
Evidence is presented that a mitogen can be produced from myelin basic protein (MBP) which may be related to the Schwann cell proliferation characteristic of Wallerian degeneration. Myelin derived from the shiverer mutant which is devoid of MBP is also devoid of mitogenic activity. Absorption of the mitogen with a polyclonal antisera to MBP abolishes the mitogenic effect. In addition, only liposomes containing MBP are mitogenic to cultured Schwann cells; liposomes containing other myelin-specific proteins do not stimulate Schwann cell division. These results directly demonstrate the MBP origin of a mitogen for Schwann cells.
Insights
Myelin basic protein (MBP) acts as a mitogen, stimulating Schwann cell proliferation during Wallerian degeneration. This study confirms MBP is the source of this mitogenic activity, crucial for nerve repair research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Protein Chemistry
Background:
- Wallerian degeneration involves Schwann cell proliferation.
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a key component of myelin.
- The mitogenic factors driving Schwann cell proliferation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of myelin basic protein (MBP) as a mitogen for Schwann cells.
- To determine if MBP is responsible for Schwann cell proliferation during Wallerian degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Comparing mitogenic activity of myelin from wild-type and MBP-deficient (shiverer mutant) mice.
- Using polyclonal anti-MBP antisera to absorb mitogenic activity.
- Testing the mitogenicity of liposomes containing MBP and other myelin proteins on cultured Schwann cells.
Main Results:
- Myelin from shiverer mutant mice, lacking MBP, showed no mitogenic activity.
- Absorption with anti-MBP antisera neutralized the mitogenic effect.
- Only liposomes containing MBP stimulated Schwann cell division; other myelin proteins did not.
Conclusions:
- Myelin basic protein (MBP) is the direct source of the mitogen responsible for Schwann cell proliferation.
- MBP's mitogenic activity is significant in the context of Wallerian degeneration and nerve repair.