Mitochondrial Localized STAT3 Is Involved in NGF Induced Neurite Outgrowth
2011

Mitochondrial STAT3 and Neurite Outgrowth

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lihan Zhou, Heng-Phon Too

Primary Institution: National University of Singapore

Hypothesis

P-Ser-STAT3 mediates NGF induced neurite outgrowth via a transcription-independent mechanism.

Conclusion

Mitochondrial localized P-Ser-STAT3 is involved in NGF induced neurite outgrowth through a novel mechanism.

Supporting Evidence

  • NGF induced the phosphorylation of residue serine727 but not tyrosine705 of STAT3 in PC12 and primary cortical neuronal cells.
  • Mitochondrial STAT3 was found to be involved in NGF induced neurite outgrowth and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • NGF induced P-Ser-STAT3 was localized to the mitochondria but not in the nucleus.
  • Using mitochondria targeted STAT3 mutants, mitochondrial P-Ser-STAT3 was found to regulate NGF induced neurite outgrowth.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein called STAT3, found in mitochondria, helps nerve cells grow when they are stimulated by a growth factor.

Methodology

The study involved experiments on PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons to assess the role of P-Ser-STAT3 in neurite outgrowth.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021680

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