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Neuronal-derived factors regulating glial cell proliferation and maturation
M Sensenbrenner1, G Labourdette, B Pettmann
1Centre de Neurochimie du CNRS, Strasbourg.
Journal De Physiologie
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Researchers purified two astroglial growth factors (AGFs) from bovine brain, identifying them as acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). These FGFs promote astroglial and oligodendroglial cell growth and maturation, and are found in neuronal cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Growth factors are crucial for cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Astroglial and oligodendroglial cells play vital roles in the central nervous system.
- Previous research has identified various growth factors in brain tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify and characterize novel growth factors from bovine brain.
- To investigate the effects of these factors on astroglial and oligodendroglial cells.
- To determine the cellular localization of these growth factors.
Main Methods:
- Heparin affinity chromatography for purification of astroglial growth factors (AGFs).
- Physico-chemical characterization (pI, molecular weight) and amino-terminal sequencing.
- Immunocytochemical localization using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies.
Main Results:
- Two active factors, AGF1 (acidic) and AGF2 (basic), were purified.
- AGF1 and AGF2 were identified as acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (FGFs).
- Both FGFs stimulated proliferation and maturation of astroglial cells and multiplication of oligodendroglial cells.
- AGFs were localized exclusively in neuronal cells within the rat brain and cerebellum.
Conclusions:
- Acidic and basic FGFs are potent stimulators of glial cell development.
- These FGFs are present in neuronal cells, suggesting a role in neuronal-glial interactions.
- The purification and characterization of AGFs provide valuable tools for studying glial cell biology.