PMID: 8613745Dec 1, 1995Paper

A distinct subset of tenascin/CS-6-PG-rich astrocytes restricts neuronal growth in vitro

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
S MeinersH M Geller

Abstract

Astrocytes provide an optimal surface for attachment, migration, and growth of CNS neurons. Nonetheless, not all astrocytes are alike: our previous work demonstrated a heterogeneity in the ability of cultured astrocyte monolayers to support neuronal growth. Areas displaying a fibrous, uneven surface ("rocky" astrocytes) were shown to be restrictive substrates, whereas surrounding, flat areas were permissive substrates. However, whether these cell types are in fact different cannot be addressed using mixed cultures. Therefore, in the current study we used morphological criteria to isolate the two subpopulations from mixed astrocyte cultures established from the cerebral cortex of neonatal rats. Following isolation, the purified populations only produced progeny with the same phenotype as the parent cells. We then measured production of several extracellular matrix molecules putatively involved in neuronal guidance during development and quantitatively assessed neuronal behavior on the purified populations. Immunocytochemistry and immunoblotting showed that rocky astrocytes were enriched in tenascin and chondroitin-6- sulfate-containing proteoglycans, but not in laminin or fibronectin. In addition, these astrocytes, as well as th...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Adhesion Molecules in Health and Disease

Cell adhesion molecules are a subset of cell adhesion proteins located on the cell surface involved in binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix in the process called cell adhesion. In essence, cell adhesion molecules help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings. Cell adhesion is a crucial component in maintaining tissue structure and function. Discover the latest research on adhesion molecule and their role in health and disease here.

Astrocytes

Astrocytes are glial cells that support the blood-brain barrier, facilitate neurotransmission, provide nutrients to neurons, and help repair damaged nervous tissues. Here is the latest research.

Astrocytes in Repair & Regeneration

Astrocytes are glial cells found within the CNS and are able to regenerate new neurons. They become activated during CNS injury and disease. The activation leads to the transcription of new genes and the repair and regeneration of neurons. Discover the latest research on astrocytes in repair and regeneration here.