Modified cell cycle status in a mouse model of altered neuronal vulnerability (slow Wallerian degeneration; Wlds)
2008

Modified Cell Cycle Status in a Mouse Model of Neuronal Vulnerability

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Thomas M Wishart, Helen N Pemberton, Sally R James, Chris J McCabe, Thomas H Gillingwater

Primary Institution: Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh Medical School

Hypothesis

Does the Wlds mutation alter cell cycle pathways and neuronal vulnerability?

Conclusion

The study shows a strong correlation between modified cell cycle pathways and altered vulnerability of neurons in a mouse model.

Supporting Evidence

  • Wlds expression leads to increased expression of cell cycle-related genes.
  • Cell cycle changes were observed in both mouse cerebellum and HEK293 cells.
  • Wlds does not alter cell proliferation rates in terminally differentiated neurons.
  • Pharmacological inhibition of the cell cycle showed opposing changes to those induced by Wlds.
  • NAD pathways are implicated in mediating cell cycle changes in Wlds-expressing cells.

Takeaway

The Wlds gene helps protect neurons by changing how they handle their cell cycle, which is important for their survival.

Methodology

Gene expression changes were profiled using RT2 profiler PCR arrays in mouse cerebellum and HEK293 cells.

Limitations

The study does not address the long-term effects of Wlds on neuronal function or behavior.

Participant Demographics

C57Bl/6 mice and HEK293 cells were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/gb-2008-9-6-r101

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