Open Accessc-Jun mediates axotomy-induced dopamine neuron death in vivo
Author(s) -
Stephen J. Crocker,
Wiplore R. Lamba,
Patrice D. Smith,
Steve Callaghan,
Ruth S. Slack,
Hymie Anisman,
David Park
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.231177098
Subject(s) - axotomy , substantia nigra , pars compacta , dopaminergic , dopamine , neuroscience , oxidopamine , medial forebrain bundle , nigrostriatal pathway , striatum , biology , central nervous system
Expression of the transcription factor c-Jun is induced in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) in response to injury. Mechanical transection of the nigrostriatal pathway at the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) results in the delayed retrograde degeneration of the dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and induces protracted expression and phosphorylation of c-Jun. However, the role of c-Jun after axotomy of CNS neurons is unclear. Here, we show that adenovirus-mediated expression of a dominant negative form of c-Jun (Ad.c-JunDN) inhibited axotomy-induced dopamine neuron death and attenuated phosphorylation of c-Jun in nigral neurons. Ad.c-JunDN also delayed the degeneration of dopaminergic nigral axons in the striatum after MFB axotomy. Taken together, these findings suggest that activation of c-Jun mediates the loss of dopamine neurons after axotomy injury.