MFG-E8 alleviates oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuronal cell apoptosis by STAT3 regulating the selective

Ying-Ying Fang1, Jing-Hui Zhang2,3

  • 1Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China.

Insights

Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) protects against ischemic stroke by reducing microglial apoptosis and promoting M2 polarization via STAT3 signaling. This suggests MFG-E8 as a potential therapeutic target for stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Ischemic stroke involves complex processes including inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and apoptosis.
  • Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) shows protective effects in various organ injuries.
  • The specific role and mechanism of MFG-E8 in ischemic brain injury are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function and mechanism of MFG-E8 in microglial cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions.
  • To determine MFG-E8's effect on microglial apoptosis and polarization.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in MFG-E8's neuroprotective effects.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized BV-2 microglial cells subjected to OGD.
  • Treated cells with recombinant murine MFG-E8 (rmMFG-E8) and/or Colivelin TFA.
  • Assessed cell viability, apoptosis, and M1/M2 polarization markers using MTT assay, flow cytometry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot.

Main Results:

  • OGD reduced microglial viability, increased apoptosis, and downregulated MFG-E8 expression.
  • MFG-E8 treatment inhibited OGD-induced apoptosis and promoted M2 microglial polarization.
  • MFG-E8 suppressed OGD-induced M1/M2 polarization by inhibiting p-STAT3 and SOCS3, effects reversed by a STAT3 activator.
  • MFG-E8 alleviated OGD-induced neuronal apoptosis through M2 polarization of microglia.

Conclusions:

  • MFG-E8 reduces neuronal apoptosis in ischemic stroke models.
  • This neuroprotection is mediated by enhanced microglial activation via STAT3 signaling.
  • MFG-E8 represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.

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