Steroid Hormone and Growth Factor Regulation of Peripheral Myelination

Thu, Thant Si

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/84849 Copy

Description

Title

Steroid Hormone and Growth Factor Regulation of Peripheral Myelination

Author(s)

Thu, Thant Si

Issue Date

2007

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Glaser, Michael

Department of Study

Biochemistry

Discipline

Biochemistry

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Biology, Molecular

Language

eng

Abstract

In addition to steroid hormones, signaling by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A in peripheral myelination was investigated. Lower levels of P0 were found in the developing sciatic nerve of PDGF-A null transgenic mice, especially when active myelin synthesis occurs. Morphological deformities of the myelin sheath were also observed in the sciatic nerve of the null mice. Furthermore, cocultures established with DRG neurons and Schwann cells from the null mice showed decreased expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) transcripts. PDGF-A null Schwann cells differentiating into the myelinating phenotype without neurons expressed lower levels of MBP and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNAs and produced less progesterone and its metabolites. Treatment of the differentiating Schwann cells with PDGF-A increased the expression of MBP and the production of progesterone and its metabolites. Together, these results shed light on the importance of steroid hormones, growth factors, and their interaction in the process of myelin synthesis in the peripheral nervous system.

Graduation Semester

2007

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/84849

Owning Collections