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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.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|October 31, 1989
Summary
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.