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Regulation of spinal motoneuron survival by GDNF during development and following injury
L J Houenou1, R W Oppenheim, L Li
1Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. lhouenou@bgsm.edu
Abstract:
During normal development of many vertebrate species, substantial numbers of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system undergo naturally occurring (or programmed) cell death. For example, approximately 50% of spinal motoneurons degenerate and die at a time when these cells are establishing synaptic connections with their target muscles in the chick, mouse, rat, and human. It is generally thought that the survival of developing motoneurons depends on access to trophic molecules. Motoneurons that survive the period of programmed cell death may also die following injury in the developing or adult animal. Increasing evidence suggests that glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays a physiological and/or pharmacological role in the survival of various neuronal cell types, including motoneurons. In this paper, we review the survival and growth-promoting effects of GDNF on spinal motoneurons during the period of programmed cell death and following injury.
Insights
Glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes the survival of spinal motoneurons. This neurotrophic factor is crucial during both normal development and after injury, supporting neuronal health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Developing neurons, including spinal motoneurons, undergo programmed cell death (PCD) during vertebrate development.
- Motoneuron survival is dependent on trophic molecules, and PCD affects approximately 50% of these neurons.
- Neuronal injury in developing or adult animals can also lead to motoneuron death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the survival and growth-promoting effects of glial-cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on spinal motoneurons.
- To examine GDNF's role during the period of programmed cell death.
- To investigate GDNF's influence on motoneuron survival following injury.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating GDNF and motoneuron survival.
- Analysis of evidence for GDNF's physiological and pharmacological roles.
- Compilation of data on GDNF's effects during PCD and post-injury.
Main Results:
- GDNF demonstrates significant survival and growth-promoting effects on spinal motoneurons.
- Evidence supports GDNF's role in mitigating motoneuron death during PCD.
- GDNF also plays a role in motoneuron survival after injury.
Conclusions:
- GDNF is a key neurotrophic factor for spinal motoneuron survival.
- GDNF is important for both developmental neuronal cell death and injury-induced neuronal death.
- Further research into GDNF's therapeutic potential for neuronal protection is warranted.