HIF-­1α promotes astrocytic production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor following spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injuries can lead to loss of movement, made worse by secondary injuries. These secondary injuries involve inflammation caused by molecules called DAMPs. Astrocytes, brain cells, can release DAMPs, worsening inflammation after spinal cord injury, but it's unclear what causes astrocytes to release these DAMPs. This study found that after spinal cord injury, a protein called HIF-1α increases in astrocytes and causes them to produce MIF, a DAMP that promotes inflammation.

• 1
  Spinal cord injury elevates HIF-1α and MIF protein levels at the injury site, with both being abundantly expressed in spinal cord astrocytes.
• 2
  HIF-1α sufficiently induces astrocytic production of MIF, promoting MIF expression through interaction with the MIF promoter.
• 3
  Inhibition of HIF-1α activity reduces MIF protein levels at the lesion site following SCI, which in turn favored functional recovery.