Reelin induces a radial glial phenotype in human neural progenitor cells by activation of Notch-1
2008

Reelin and Notch-1 Signaling in Human Neural Progenitor Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Keilani Serene, Sugaya Kiminobu

Primary Institution: Biomolecular Science Center, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida

Hypothesis

Reelin signaling may act to fine-tune Notch-1 activation favoring the induction of the radial glial phenotype prenatally.

Conclusion

Reelin signaling induces BLBP expression and a radial glial phenotype in human neural progenitor cells via the activation of Notch-1.

Supporting Evidence

  • Reelin treatment increased the level of NICD, indicating that Reelin signaling directly activates Notch-1.
  • Reducing NICD release by inhibiting γ-secretase activity inhibited the Reelin-induced radial glial phenotype.
  • Dab-1, an adaptor protein downstream of Reelin, was co-immunoprecipitated with Notch-1 and NICD.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein called Reelin helps brain cells called neural progenitors become a specific type of cell, called radial glial cells, by turning on another protein called Notch-1.

Methodology

The study used human neural progenitor cells treated with Reelin and NICD to observe changes in cell phenotype and signaling pathways.

Participant Demographics

Human neural progenitor cells isolated from the cortex of a 14-week-old fetus.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-213X-8-69

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