Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/8540
Title: Alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and nestin expression in reactive astrocytes in multiple sclerosis lesions: potential regulatory role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1)
Authors: MOREELS, Marjan 
VANDENABEELE, Frank 
DUMONT, Debora 
ROBBEN, Johan 
LAMBRICHTS, Ivo 
Issue Date: 2008
Publisher: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING
Source: NEUROPATHOLOGY AND APPLIED NEUROBIOLOGY, 34(5). p. 532-546
Abstract: Aims: Rapid and extensive activation of astrocytes occurs subsequent to many forms of central nervous system (CNS) injury. Recent studies have revealed that the expression profile of reactive astrocytes comprises antigens present during astrocyte development. Elevated levels of the injury-related cytokine transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) secreted by microglial cells and invading macrophages have been correlated with the reactive astrocyte phenotype and glial scar formation. Methods: In the present study, the expression profile of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and nestin, two cytoskeletal proteins expressed during astrocyte development, was studied in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. In addition, alpha-SMA and nestin organization and expression were analysed in rat primary astrocyte cultures in response to TGF-beta 1. Results: In active lesions and in the hypercellular margin of chronic active MS lesions, immunostaining for alpha-SMA revealed a subpopulation of reactive astrocytes, whereas the majority of reactive astrocytes expressed nestin. alpha-SMA and nestin expressing reactive astrocytes were in close relationship with TGF-beta 1 expressing macrophages or microglia. In addition, TGF-beta 1 expression within alpha-SMA or nestin expressing astrocytes was also detected. Our in vitro experiments showed that TGF-beta 1 regulated the organization and expression of alpha-SMA and nestin in astrocytes. Conclusions: Reactive astrocytes in active MS lesions re-express alpha-SMA and nestin. We suggest that the in vivo re-expression might be under regulation of TGF-beta 1. These results further clarify the regulation of astrocyte activity after CNS injury, which is important for the astroglial adaptation to pathological situations.
Notes: [Moreels, M.] Hasselt Univ, Biomed Res Inst, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium. [Moreels, M.] Transnatl Univ Limburg, Sch Life Sci, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Keywords: astrocytes; cytoskeleton; multiple sclerosis; transforming growth factor-beta 1
Document URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/8540
ISSN: 0305-1846
e-ISSN: 1365-2990
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2007.00910.x
ISI #: 000259613200005
Category: A1
Type: Journal Contribution
Validations: ecoom 2009
Appears in Collections:Research publications

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