Macrophage-Derived Slit3 Controls Cell Migration and Axon Pathfinding in the Peripheral Nerve Bridge

Cell Rep. 2019 Feb 5;26(6):1458-1472.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.12.081.

Abstract

Slit-Robo signaling has been characterized as a repulsive signal for precise axon pathfinding and cell migration during embryonic development. Here, we describe a role for Sox2 in the regulation of Robo1 in Schwann cells and for Slit3-Robo1 signaling in controlling axon guidance within the newly formed nerve bridge following peripheral nerve transection injury. In particular, we show that macrophages form the outermost layer of the nerve bridge and secrete high levels of Slit3, while migratory Schwann cells and fibroblasts inside the nerve bridge express the Robo1 receptor. In line with this pattern of Slit3 and Robo1 expression, we observed multiple axon regeneration and cell migration defects in the nerve bridge of Sox2-, Slit3-, and Robo1-mutant mice. Our findings have revealed important functions for macrophages in the peripheral nervous system, utilizing Slit3-Robo1 signaling to control correct peripheral nerve bridge formation and precise axon targeting to the distal nerve stump following injury.

Keywords: Robo1; Schwann cell; Slit3; Sox2; fibroblast; injury; macrophages; migration; peripheral nerve; regeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Retracted Publication

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axon Guidance*
  • Cell Movement
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mutation
  • Nerve Regeneration*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Peripheral Nerves / metabolism*
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism
  • Roundabout Proteins
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / genetics
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors
  • Slit3 protein, mouse
  • Sox2 protein, mouse