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p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase is required for central nervous system myelination
Author(s) -
Fragoso Gabriela,
Haines Jeffery D.,
Roberston Janice,
Pedraza Liliana,
Mushynski Walter E.,
Almazan Guillermina
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
glia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.954
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1098-1136
pISSN - 0894-1491
DOI - 10.1002/glia.20567
Subject(s) - biology , microbiology and biotechnology , oligodendrocyte , myelin , myelin basic protein , dorsal root ganglion , p38 mitogen activated protein kinases , protein kinase a , kinase , neuroglia , transcription factor , neuroscience , mitogen activated protein kinase , central nervous system , biochemistry , sensory system , gene
The p38 MAPKs are a family of kinases that regulate a number of cellular functions including cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Here, we report that p38 regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation. Inhibition of p38 with PD169316 and SB203580 prevented accumulation of protein and mRNA of cell‐stage specific markers characteristic of differentiated oligodendrocytes, including myelin basic protein, myelin‐associated glycoprotein, and the glycosphingolipids, galactosylceramide and sulfatide. In addition, the cell cycle regulator p27 kip1 and the transcription factor Sox10 were also significantly reduced. Most significantly, p38 inhibitors completely and irreversibly blocked myelination of dorsal root ganglion neurons by oligodendrocytes and prevented the axolemmal organization of the axo‐glial adhesion molecule Caspr. Our results suggest a role(s) for this kinase in key regulatory steps in the maturation of OLGs and initiation of myelination. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.