Interleukin-6 induces proliferation in adult spinal cord-derived neural progenitors via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway with EGF-induced MAPK phosphorylation

Cell Proliferation, 2008 · DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2008.00537.x · Published: January 1, 2008

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) affect the proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from the spinal cord of adult mice. The researchers found that both IL-6 and EGF stimulate the proliferation of these spinal cord-derived NPCs through specific signaling pathways, namely JAK2/STAT3 for IL-6 and MAPK for EGF. The combined treatment of IL-6 and EGF resulted in a synergistic effect, accelerating cell proliferation even further, suggesting a cooperative interaction between these two factors in promoting spinal cord cell growth.

Study Duration

6 days

Participants

Adult ICR mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
IL-6 and EGF independently stimulate the proliferation of spinal cord-derived NPCs via the JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK pathways, respectively.
2
Combined treatment with IL-6 and EGF synergistically accelerates the proliferation of spinal cord NPCs and phosphorylation of STAT3 and Erk1/2.
3
IL-6 activates Erk1/2 via JAK2, providing a signal bridge between the IL-6-induced JAK2/STAT3 pathway and the EGF-induced MAPK pathway.

Research Summary

The study demonstrates that IL-6 and EGF stimulate proliferation of spinal cord-derived NPCs through distinct signalling pathways, JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK, respectively. Inhibition of JAK2 or EGFR prevents IL-6- or EGF-induced proliferation, respectively, indicating the necessity of these pathways for cytokine-mediated cell growth. The research suggests that the interaction between IL-6 and EGF signaling pathways, specifically the cross-talk involving Erk1/2, contributes to the enhanced proliferation of NPCs, offering potential therapeutic targets for spinal cord injuries.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Targets

The JAK2/STAT3 and MAPK pathways may represent novel therapeutic targets for pharmacological intervention in central nervous system disease, including spinal cord injury.

Repopulation and Regeneration

Understanding the roles of IL-6 and EGF in stimulating proliferation of spinal cord progenitor cells can contribute to strategies for repopulation and regeneration of spinal cord tissue after injury.

Pharmacological Intervention

The findings provide insights into the signalling mechanisms involved in IL-6-induced regulation of cell population growth, which may lead to the development of targeted therapies for CNS diseases.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted using spinal cord-derived NPCs from adult mice, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
The in vitro nature of the experiments may not fully replicate the complex in vivo environment of spinal cord injury.
3
Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the specific mechanisms of cross-talk between the IL-6 and EGF signaling pathways.

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