Abstract
Stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were originally discovered as growth factors for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). It has been well defined that SCF and G-CSF contribute to regulation of lineage commitment for HSCs. However, little is known about whether SCF and G-CSF play roles in the determination and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). Here we demonstrate the novel function of SCF and G-CSF in controlling cell cycle and cell fate determination of NSCs. We also observe that SCF and G-CSF promote neuronal differentiation and inhibit astroglial differentiation at the early stage of differentiation. In addition, our research data reveal that SCF in combination with G-CSF has a dual function in promoting cell cycle exit and directing neuronal fate commitment at the stage of NSC dividing. This coordination effect of SCF+G-CSF on cell cycle arrest and neuronal differentiation is through enhancing neurogenin 1 (Ngn1) activity. These findings extend current knowledge regarding the role of SCF and G-CSF in the regulation of neurogenesis and provide insights into the contribution of hematopoietic growth factors to brain development and remodeling.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 17-25 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Differentiation |
| Volume | 83 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2012 |
Funding
This study is supported by American Heart Association, Malcolm Feist Endowment for Cardiovascular Research, CADASIL Foundation of America, Franks Imaging Lab, and Louisiana Gene Therapy Research Consortium. Authors thank Xiao-Yun Liu for her assistance in fetal tissue preparation.
Keywords
- BHLH transcription factors
- G-CSF
- Lineage commitment
- NSC differentiation
- Neurogenin 1
- SCF
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
