University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Identification and Characterization of the Neurotrophic Properties of Dopamine -Releasing Protein (Darp)

Smith, Sean Michael

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Description

Title
Identification and Characterization of the Neurotrophic Properties of Dopamine -Releasing Protein (Darp)
Author(s)
Smith, Sean Michael
Issue Date
2002
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Ramirez, Victor D.
Department of Study
Neuroscience
Discipline
Neuroscience
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biology, Neuroscience
Language
eng
Abstract
In a third set of experiments, I assessed the effects of DARP-36aa on the survival of mesencephalic neurons in vitro. Treatment of mesencephalic cultures with DARP36aa resulted in a significant increase in neuron survival and morphological development. Mesencephalic cultures were also incubated with antibodies against DARP-36aa (antiDARP-36aa) in order to assess the effect of immunoneutralization of endogenous DARP on these cells. Mesencephalic cultures treated with anti-DARP-36aa contained significantly fewer neurons, and the number of branching points per neuron was markedly decreased compared to controls. DARP-36aa treatments significantly increased the number of catecholaminergic neurons in mesencephalic cultures while immunoneutralization of endogenous DARP significantly decreased catecholaminergic neuron number and morphological development. Importantly, DARP-36aa-mediated increases in neuron survival and development were completely attenuated by coincubation with genistein. In conclusion, findings from the aforementioned studies suggest that DARP-36aa is a novel neurotrophic factor that promotes survival and development of mesencephalic neurons.
Graduation Semester
2002
Type of Resource
text
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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/82493

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