PI3K mediated electrotaxis of embryonic and adult neural progenitor cells in the presence of growth factors

Exp Neurol. 2011 Jan;227(1):210-7. doi: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.11.002. Epub 2010 Nov 16.

Abstract

Correct guidance of the migration of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is essential for the development and repair of the central nervous system (CNS). Electric field (EF)-guided migration, electrotaxis, has been observed in many cell types. We report here that, in applied EFs of physiological magnitude, embryonic and adult NPCs show marked electrotaxis, which is dependent on the PI3K/Akt pathway. The electrotaxis was also evidenced by ex vivo investigation that transplanted NPCs migrated directionally towards cathode in organotypic spinal cord slice model when treated with EFs. Genetic disruption or pharmacological inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) impaired electrotaxis, whereas EF exposure increased Akt phosphorylation in a growth factor-dependent manner and increased phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) levels. EF treatments also induced asymmetric redistribution of PIP3, growth factor receptors, and actin cytoskeleton. Electrotaxis in both embryonic and adult NPCs requires epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Our results demonstrate the importance of the PI3K/Akt pathway in directed migration of NPCs driven by EFs and growth factors and highlight the potential of EFs to enhance the guidance of various NPC populations in CNS repair therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Adult Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Adult Stem Cells / transplantation
  • Animals
  • Cell Movement / drug effects*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electric Stimulation / methods*
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / transplantation
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Mice
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Spinal Cord / cytology
  • Spinal Cord / embryology
  • Spinal Cord / transplantation
  • Transfection / methods
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Actins
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases