Galectin-1 regulates initial axonal growth in peripheral nerves after axotomy

126Citations
Citations of this article
41Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

The signals that prompt the axons to send out processes in peripheral nerves after axotomy are not well understood. Here, we report that galectin-1 can play an important role in this initial stage. We developed an in vitro nerve regeneration model that allows us to monitor the initial axon and support cell outgrowth from the proximal nerve stump, which is comparable to the initial stages of nerve repair. We isolated a factor secreted from COS1 cells that enhanced axonal regeneration, and we identified the factor as galectin-1. Recombinant human galectin-1 (rhGAL-1) showed the same activity at low concentrations (50 pg/ml) that are two orders of magnitude lower than those of lectin activity. A similarly low concentration was also effective in in vivo experiments of axonal regeneration with migrating reactive Schwann cells to a grafted silicone tube after transection of adult rat peripheral nerve. Moreover, the application of functional anti-rhGAL-1 antibody strongly inhibited the regeneration in vivo as well as in vitro. The same effect of rhGAL-1 was confirmed in crush/freeze experiments of the adult mouse sciatic nerve. Because galectin-1 is expressed in the regenerating sciatic nerves as well as in both sensory neurons and motor neurons, we suggest that galectin-1 may regulate initial repair after axotomy. This high activity of the factor applied under nonreducing conditions suggests that galectin-1 may work as a cytokine, not as a lectin.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Horie, H., Inagaki, Y., Sohma, Y., Nozawa, R., Okawa, K., Hasegawa, M., … Kadoya, T. (1999). Galectin-1 regulates initial axonal growth in peripheral nerves after axotomy. Journal of Neuroscience, 19(22), 9964–9974. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.19-22-09964.1999

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free