The matricellular protein Connective Tissue Growth Factor promotes motor axon regeneration
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ABSTRACT: Regeneration of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is orchestrated by signals exchanged among its components. Neuronal hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), produced in response to injury, is a major Schwann cells (SC) activator. Genes differentially expressed by SCs exposed to H2O2 were used as a signature gene set for functional enrichment analysis of NMJ transcripts profiled during motor axon terminal degeneration and re-growth. We found that at the regenerating NMJ: i) the H2O2 signature is enriched in extracellular matrix terms; ii) the mRNA of Connective Tissue Growth Factor (Ctgf) is strongly up-regulated, iii) Ctgf is produced by terminal SCs, iv) Ctgf neutralization delays functional recovery upon nerve injury. We show here compelling evidence of a pro-regenerative role of Ctgf in neurotransmission rescue, and that the transcriptome of the regenerating NMJ is a powerful source of candidates with pro-regenerative potential. A profound ECM remodeling occurs during nerve regeneration, and H2O2 is among the triggers.
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE154547 | GEO | 2023/01/04
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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