Abstract
In steroidogenic cells the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein plays a key role in the transport of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the first step of steroidogenesis, the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, takes place. cAMP is a known positive regulator of StAR gene expression and steroid biosynthesis in steroidogenic cells. As some steroids, such as progesterone, can also be synthesized de novo in the central and peripheral nervous systems and display neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects, we decided to verify the effect of cAMP on StAR gene expression in cultured Schwann cells. We observed that (1) in the presence of serum, forskolin, an agent known to elevate intracellular cAMP, induced both a morphological change and proliferation of cultured Schwann cells; (2) StAR mRNA and protein were expressed in Schwann cells; (3) unexpectedly, forskolin and 8 Br-cAMP, a cell-permeant analogue of cAMP, extinguishcd StAR gene expression; and (4) this response was similar in the presence or absence of serum.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
