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A novel method for isolating Schwann cells using the extracellular domain of Necl1
Author(s) -
Spiegel Ivo,
Peles Elior
Publication year - 2009
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/jnr.21985
Subject(s) - extracellular , microbiology and biotechnology , domain (mathematical analysis) , chemistry , schwann cell , neuroscience , biophysics , biology , mathematics , mathematical analysis
Myelinating cocultures of Schwann cells and dorsal root ganglion neurons are a powerful experimental system for probing the molecular mechanisms of axon–Schwann cell interaction. The isolation of a pure population of myelination‐competent Schwann cells is a prerequisite for this experimental system. We describe here a protocol for a FACS‐based isolation of Schwann cells utilizing a specific affinity reagent (Necl1‐Fc) and the use of these isolated cells in myelinating cocultures. An advantage of the myelinating coculture system is that Schwann cells and the neurons can be genetically manipulated before they are cocultured. We further show that our method allows the isolation of virally transduced Schwann cells in a single purification step. This protocol for the FACS‐based isolation of myelination‐competent Schwann cells by Necl1‐Fc and the use of these cells in myelinating cocultures should significantly facilitate future studies aimed at delineation of the molecular mechanisms of axon–Schwann cell interactions and myelination. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.