Open AccessThe Neurofilament‐Derived Peptide NFL‐TBS.40‐63 Targets Neural Stem Cells and Affects Their Properties
Author(s) -
Lépinoux-Chambaud Claire,
Barreau Kristell,
Eyer Joël
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
stem cells translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.781
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 2157-6580
pISSN - 2157-6564
DOI - 10.5966/sctm.2015-0221
Subject(s) - neurosphere , neural stem cell , stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , subventricular zone , regenerative medicine , biology , neurofilament , in vitro , peptide , in vivo , adult stem cell , immunology , biochemistry , immunohistochemistry , endothelial stem cell , genetics
Targeting neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult brain represents a promising approach for developing new regenerative strategies, because these cells can proliferate, self‐renew, and differentiate into new neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Previous work showed that the NFL‐TBS.40‐63 peptide, corresponding to the sequence of a tubulin‐binding site on neurofilaments, can target glioblastoma cells, where it disrupts their microtubules and inhibits their proliferation. We show that this peptide targets NSCs in vitro and in vivo when injected into the cerebrospinal fluid. Although neurosphere formation was not altered by the peptide, the NSC self‐renewal capacity and proliferation were reduced and were associated with increased adhesion and differentiation. These results indicate that the NFL‐TBS.40‐63 peptide represents a new molecular tool to target NSCs to develop new strategies for regenerative medicine and the treatment of brain tumors. Significance In the present study, the NFL‐TBS.40‐63 peptide targeted neural stem cells in vitro when isolated from the subventricular zone and in vivo when injected into the cerebrospinal fluid present in the lateral ventricle. The in vitro formation of neurospheres was not altered by the peptide; however, at a high concentration of the peptide, the neural stem cell (NSC) self‐renewal capacity and proliferation were reduced and associated with increased adhesion and differentiation. These results indicate that the NFL‐TBS.40‐63 peptide represents a new molecular tool to target NSCs to develop new strategies for regenerative medicine and the treatment of brain tumors.