Prostaglandin D2 synthase/GPR44: a signaling axis in PNS myelination

Nat Neurosci. 2014 Dec;17(12):1682-92. doi: 10.1038/nn.3857. Epub 2014 Nov 2.

Abstract

Neuregulin 1 type III is processed following regulated intramembrane proteolysis, which allows communication from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. We found that the intracellular domain of neuregulin 1 type III upregulated the prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-pgds, also known as Ptgds) gene, which, together with the G protein-coupled receptor Gpr44, forms a previously unknown pathway in PNS myelination. Neuronal L-PGDS is secreted and produces the PGD2 prostanoid, a ligand of Gpr44. We found that mice lacking L-PGDS were hypomyelinated. Consistent with this, specific inhibition of L-PGDS activity impaired in vitro myelination and caused myelin damage. Furthermore, in vivo ablation and in vitro knockdown of glial Gpr44 impaired myelination. Finally, we identified Nfatc4, a key transcription factor for myelination, as one of the downstream effectors of PGD2 activity in Schwann cells. Thus, L-PGDS and Gpr44 are previously unknown components of an axo-glial interaction that controls PNS myelination and possibly myelin maintenance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Ganglia, Spinal / metabolism
  • Ganglia, Spinal / ultrastructure
  • Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / biosynthesis*
  • Lipocalins / biosynthesis*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Myelin Sheath / metabolism*
  • Myelin Sheath / ultrastructure
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / metabolism*
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / ultrastructure
  • Peripheral Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Peripheral Nervous System / ultrastructure
  • Rats
  • Receptors, Immunologic / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / biosynthesis*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Lipocalins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin
  • Intramolecular Oxidoreductases
  • prostaglandin R2 D-isomerase
  • prostaglandin D2 receptor

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE61784