Steroid Hormone and Growth Factor Regulation of Peripheral Myelination

In addition to steroid hormones, signaling by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A in peripheral myelination was investigated. Lower levels of P0 were found in the developing sciatic nerve of PDGF-A null transgenic mice, especially when active myelin synthesis occurs. Morphological deformities of the myelin sheath were also observed in the sciatic nerve of the null mice. Furthermore, cocultures established with DRG neurons and Schwann cells from the null mice showed decreased expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) transcripts. PDGF-A null Schwann cells differentiating into the myelinating phenotype without neurons expressed lower levels of MBP and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNAs and produced less progesterone and its metabolites. Treatment of the differentiating Schwann cells with PDGF-A increased the expression of MBP and the production of progesterone and its metabolites. Together, these results shed light on the importance of steroid hormones, growth factors, and their interaction in the process of myelin synthesis in the peripheral nervous system.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biochemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Thu, Thant Si

Contributors dc:contributor

• Glaser, Michael

• Biology, Molecular

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3301235

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/84849