CNS glial cells express neurotrophin receptors whose levels are regulated by NGF.
Normal CNS glial cells manufacture neurotrophin receptors and are competent to respond to NGF. Neurotrophins bind a common receptor (LNGFR) and ligand-specific, tyrosine kinase-containing subunits (TrkA, TrkB, or TrkC). Northern blots and transcription assays reveal complex transcriptional regulation of LNGFR in astrocytes; from undetectable basal levels, NGF dramatically induces LNGFR within 4-6 h. Oligodendrocytes' relatively high basal levels are unaffected by NGF. TrkA mRNA was undetectable, however, TrkB was present and upregulated by NGF in astrocytes but not oligodendrocytes. The results are consistent with receptor autoregulation by its ligand and suggest that NGF plays a role in normal glial functions.
Laboratory of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1759.
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Kumar
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Peña
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de Vellis
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D008024:Ligands; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D020917:Receptor, trkA; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects
D015415:Biomarkers; D008024:Ligands; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D020917:Receptor, trkA