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Leukemia inhibitory factor regulates Schwann cell proliferation and migration and affects peripheral nerve

Qianqian Chen1,2, Qianyan Liu1, Yunsong Zhang1

  • 1NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.

Cell Death & Disease
|April 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is crucial for peripheral nerve repair. Suppressing LIF enhances Schwann cell activity and nerve regeneration after injury, improving functional recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a cytokine involved in neuronal development and survival.
  • LIF mRNA is dysregulated in peripheral nerve segments post-injury.
  • LIF protein expression is abundant in Schwann cells following sciatic nerve injury in rats.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of LIF in Schwann cell function and peripheral nerve regeneration.
  • To identify downstream effectors of LIF in nerve repair.
  • To explore LIF's impact on Schwann cell metabolism.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo siRNA application to knockdown LIF expression in injured rat sciatic nerves.
  • Assessment of Schwann cell proliferation, migration, axon elongation, and myelination.
  • Electrophysiological and behavioral analyses for functional recovery evaluation.
  • Analysis of Schwann cell metabolism and Erythroferrone (ERFE) regulation.

Main Results:

  • LIF knockdown in vivo promoted Schwann cell migration and proliferation, enhancing axon elongation and myelin formation.
  • Electrophysiological and behavioral tests indicated improved functional recovery in injured nerves with LIF knockdown.
  • Differential LIF expression was found to affect Schwann cell metabolism and negatively regulate ERFE.

Conclusions:

  • LIF plays an essential role in regulating Schwann cell proliferation and migration, crucial for peripheral nerve regeneration.
  • ERFE is identified as a downstream effector of LIF.
  • This study deepens the understanding of molecular mechanisms governing peripheral nerve repair.

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