Toward a transgenic mouse model of remyelination.
The molecular mechanisms necessary for remyelination by oligodendrocytes remain unexplored. We previously characterized a myelin basic protein promoter-lacZ (MBP-lacZ) transgene whose expression is regulated uniquely during development, and also in pathological situations, suggesting that it may be a useful reporter of molecular mechanisms during remyelination. As a first step toward creating a transgenic mouse model of remyelination, we cultured oligodendrocytes from these transgenic mice and showed that expression of MBP-lacZ appeared in parallel with a marker of oligodendrocyte maturation, galactocerebroside (GC). In addition, basic fibroblast growth factor blocked the expression of both MBP-lacZ and GC in these cells. Therefore, expression of MBP-lacZ reflects not only the developmental stage of oligodendrocytes, but also extrinsic influences on oligodendrocytes. These data suggest that MBP-lacZ may be a useful marker in transgenic mouse models of remyelination.
Ferraresi
S
S
DIBIT, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.
Lorenzetti
I
I
Nemni
R
R
Kamholz
J
J
Feltri
M L
ML
Wrabetz
L
L
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D003711:Demyelinating Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000502:physiology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D001616:beta-Galactosidase