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GDNF augments survival and differentiation of TH‐positive neurons in neural progenitor cells
Author(s) -
Sun Zhaohui,
Lai Yanlai,
Li Peng,
Zuo Huancong,
Xie Zuoping
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
cell biology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.932
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1095-8355
pISSN - 1065-6995
DOI - 10.1016/j.cellbi.2004.01.006
Subject(s) - glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor , neural stem cell , progenitor cell , progenitor , biology , neuroscience , microbiology and biotechnology , neurotrophic factors , stem cell , receptor , biochemistry
GDNF plays an important role in the survival and differentiation of primary dopaminergic neurons, but it requires multiple factors for its entire range of activities. This study investigated the effects of GDNF and its cofactors on the development of bFGF‐responsive neural progenitor cells (NPCs), mesencephalic and cortical progenitor cells (MP and CP). Various factors were found to have significant inductive effects on the survival and maintenance of these cells in late developmental stages. MP had greater potential than CP to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Treatment of NPCs with GDNF and its cofactors enhanced MAP‐2 and TH expression, particularly the latter. These findings suggest that NPCs, particularly MP, could develop into more specific neurons if the appropriate factors were applied during the final cell fate specification. They might thus become beneficial sources of donor cells in the treatment of neurological disorders.