Regulation Of Neural Stem Cell Proliferation Research Articles

BCAT1 controls embryonic neural stem cells proliferation and differentiation in the upper layer neurons

The regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation during brain development is a precisely controlled process, with the production of different neuronal subtypes governed by strict timelines. Glutamate is predominantly used as a neurotransmitter by the subtypes of neurons in the various layers of the cerebral cortex. The expression pattern of BCAT1, a gene involved in glutamate metabolism, in the different layers of neurons has yet to be fully understood. Using single-cell data, we have identified seven different states of NSCs and found that state 4 is closely associated with the development of projection neurons. By inferring the developmental trajectory of different neuronal subtypes from NSC subsets of this state, we discovered that BCAT1 is involved in the regulation of NSC proliferation and differentiation and is specifically highly expressed in layer II/III and IV neurons. Suppression of BCAT1 through shRNA resulted in a reduction in NSC proliferation and an abnormal development of layer II/III and IV neurons. These findings provide new insights into the role of BCAT1 in the regulation of NSC behavior and neuronal development.

Potential of using JNK and p53 as novel drug targets for the treatment of alcoholic encephalopathy

Objectives: Investigating novel therapies for alcoholic encephalopathy (AE) would be part of the implementation of the concept of targeted pharmacological control of intracellular signalisation in regeneration-competent cells. This study aimed to explore the involvement of JNK and p53 in the implementation of the functions of different types of regeneration-competent cells of nervous tissue in alcoholic neurodegeneration (AN). Materials and Methods: The studies were conducted on C57B1/6 mice. AN was modelled in vitro and in vivo. The effects of the JNK and p53 inhibitors on the realisation of neural stem cell (NSC) and neuronal-committed progenitor (NCP) functions (their colony-forming ability, proliferative activity and intensity of specialisation), as well as on the secretion of neurotrophins by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglial cells were studied. Individual cell fractions were prepared using an immunomagnetic separation method. Results: We showed that JNK and p53 stimulate the proliferation and specialisation of intact NSCs. An inversion of the role of these signalling molecules in the regulation of NSC proliferation in the conditions of modelling AN was revealed. It has been found that JNK and p53 are not involved in regulating the functions of NCP. The ambiguous role of JNK and p53 in the production of neurotrophic growth factors by different types of neuroglia cells was also found. Increased secretion of neurotrophins by oligodendrocytes and microglia during the blockade of JNK and p53 under conditions of exposure to ethanol cells was revealed. Conclusion: The results suggest the prospect of exploring the possibility of using JNK and/or p53 inhibitors as novel drugs to treat AE.