Insulin-like growth factor system regulates oligodendroglial cell behavior: therapeutic potential in CNS.
Amongst the many soluble extracellular factors stimulating intracellular signal transduction pathways and driving cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation and survival, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) stand out as indispensable factors for proper oligodendrocyte differentiation and accompanying myelin production. Owing to its potent myelinogenic capacity and its neuroprotective properties, IGFs hold therapeutic potential in demyelinating and neurodengenerative diseases. However, the IGF system is comprised of a complex molecular network involving regulatory binding proteins, proteases, cell surface and extracellular matrix components which orchestrate IGF-specific functions. Thus, the complexity by which these factors are tightly regulated makes a simplistic therapeutic approach towards treating demyelinating conditions unfeasible. In the present review, we address these issues and consider current therapeutic prospects of oligodendrocyte-targeted IGF-based therapies.
Chesik
Daniel
D
Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands. d.chesik@med.umcg.nl
De Keyser
Jacques
J
Wilczak
Nadine
N
D000818:Animals; D002453:Cell Cycle; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D009836:Oligodendroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D013002:Somatomedins