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Differential regulation of the zinc finger genes Krox‐20 and Krox‐24 (Egr‐1) suggests antagonistic roles in Schwann cells
Author(s) -
Topilko Piotr,
Levi Giovanni,
Merlo Giorgio,
Mantero Stefano,
Desmarquet Carole,
Mancardi Gianluigi,
Charnay Patrick
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of neuroscience research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.72
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1097-4547
pISSN - 0360-4012
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4547(19971201)50:5<702::aid-jnr7>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - schwann cell , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , zinc finger transcription factor , transcription factor , zinc finger , cellular differentiation , immunology , gene , genetics
Krox‐20 and Krox‐24 (Egr‐1 ) encode closely related zinc finger transcription factors, which interact with the same DNA target sequences. Krox‐20 is required for myelination in the peripheral nervous system. Using lacZ knock‐in mutant mouse lines as well as immunohistochemical analyses, we have studied the expression of Krox‐20 and Krox‐24 in the Schwann cell lineage during normal development and following nerve lesion in the mouse and in human neuropathies. During embryogenesis, the two genes are expressed in a successive and mutually exclusive manner, Krox‐24 being restricted to Schwann cell precursors and Krox‐20 to mature Schwann cells. At birth, Krox‐24 is reactivated and the two genes are coexpressed. In the adult, Krox‐20 is expressed in myelinating cells, while Krox‐24 is restricted to nonmyelinating cells. Following nerve lesion, Krox‐24 is strongly induced in Schwann cells, reinforcing the link between its expression and the nonmyelinating and/or proliferative state, whereas Krox‐20 is downregulated. These data are consistent with Krox‐20 and Krox‐24 playing antagonistic roles during the development of the Schwann cell lineage. In particular, their balance of expression might participate in the choice between myelinating and nonmyelinating pathways. J. Neurosci. Res. 50:702–712, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.