Thioredoxin-2 Modulates Neuronal Programmed Cell Death in the Embryonic Chick Spinal Cord in Basal and
Marc Pirson1, Stéphanie Debrulle1, André Clippe1
1Group of Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institut des Sciences de la Vie (ISV), Université catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
Abstract:
Thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) is a mitochondrial protein using a dithiol active site to reduce protein disulfides. In addition to the cytoprotective function of this enzyme, several studies have highlighted the implication of Trx2 in cellular signaling events. In particular, growing evidence points to such roles of redox enzymes in developmental processes taking place in the central nervous system. Here, we investigate the potential implication of Trx2 in embryonic development of chick spinal cord. To this end, we first studied the distribution of the enzyme in this tissue and report strong expression of Trx2 in chick embryo post-mitotic neurons at E4.5 and in motor neurons at E6.5. Using in ovo electroporation, we go on to highlight a cytoprotective effect of Trx2 on the programmed cell death (PCD) of neurons during spinal cord development and in a novel cultured spinal cord explant model. These findings suggest an implication of Trx2 in the modulation of developmental PCD of neurons during embryonic development of the spinal cord, possibly through redox regulation mechanisms.
Insights
Thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) plays a crucial role in chick spinal cord development. This study reveals Trx2
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) is a mitochondrial protein involved in reducing protein disulfides.
- Redox enzymes like Trx2 are increasingly implicated in central nervous system development and cellular signaling.
- The specific role of Trx2 in embryonic spinal cord development requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) in the embryonic development of the chick spinal cord.
- To determine the expression pattern of Trx2 in developing chick spinal cord neurons.
- To assess the impact of Trx2 on neuronal programmed cell death (PCD) during spinal cord development.
Main Methods:
- Studied Trx2 distribution in chick embryo spinal cord tissue at different developmental stages (E4.5, E6.5).
- Utilized in ovo electroporation to manipulate Trx2 expression in vivo.
- Developed and employed a novel cultured spinal cord explant model to study neuronal PCD.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated strong expression of Trx2 in post-mitotic neurons at embryonic day 4.5 (E4.5) and motor neurons at E6.5.
- Showcased a cytoprotective effect of Trx2 against neuronal programmed cell death (PCD) during spinal cord development.
- Confirmed Trx2's neuroprotective role in both in vivo and in vitro experimental models.
Conclusions:
- Thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) is significantly expressed in developing chick spinal cord neurons.
- Trx2 exhibits a cytoprotective function, modulating neuronal programmed cell death (PCD) during embryonic spinal cord development.
- Redox regulation by Trx2 is likely involved in the precise control of developmental neuronal cell death.
