Neurturin, a relative of glial-cell-line derived neurotrophic factor

Article Abstract:

Neurturin is a structurally associated factor of the glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factors (GNDF). This neurotrophic factor supports the survival of the cultured sympathetic neurons. Neurturin and GDNF stimulate the MAP kinase signaling pathway in the sympathetic neuron cultures and the sensory neurons of the nodose and dorsal root ganglia. These neurotrophic factors also enhance the survival of motor and midbrain dopaminergic neurons. The Ret receptor tyrosine kinase and the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol mediate the GDNF and the neurturin activity.

Growth, Neurons, Neurotrophic functions, Neurotrophins

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Uncoupling of hypomyelination and glial cell death by a mutation in the proteolipid protein gene

Article Abstract:

Proteolipid protein (PLP) is a membrane protein in myelin for which a new mouse mutant rumpshaker contains an amino-acid substitution Ile-to-Thr at residue 186 in a membrane-embedded domain of PLP. Moreover, rumpshaker mice live normal lifespans with a complete complement of morphologically normal oligodendrocytes. These findings indicate that PLP has an important role in glial cell growth and in the clinical spectrum of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.

Membrane proteins, Lipoproteins, Proteolipids

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The glial cell glutamate uptake carrier countertransports pH-changing anions

Article Abstract:

Glutamate uptake by the glial cells is accompanied by acidification within the cells and alkalinization outside them. Carrier uptake is required to stop glutamate neurotransmission and to maintain glutamate levels outside the glial cells. The carrier cycle involves the exchange of two sodium anions for each glutamate anion and the concomitant transport of potassium and other pH-altering anions.

Physiological aspects, Glutamate, Hydrogen-ion concentration, Anions

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