Galectin-1 induces astrocyte differentiation, which leads to production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neuroprotective polypeptide that is thought to be responsible for neuron proliferation, differentiation, and survival. An agent that enhances production of BDNF is expected to be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Here we report that galectin-1, a member of the family of beta-galactoside binding proteins, induces astrocyte differentiation and strongly inhibits astrocyte proliferation, and then the differentiated astrocytes greatly enhance their production of BDNF. Induction of astrocyte differentiation and BDNF production by an endogenous mammalian lectin may be a new mechanism for preventing neuronal loss after injury.

• Authors: Tasuku Sasaki, Jun Hirabayashi, Hiroshi Manya, Ken-ichi Kasai, Tamao Endo
• Journal: Glycobiology (Glycobiology) Vol. 14 Issue 4 Pg. 357-63 (Apr 2004) ISSN: 0959-6658 [Print] England
• PMID: 14693917 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Asialoglycoproteins
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
• Fetuins
• Galectin 1
• alpha-Fetoproteins
• asialofetuin
• Phosphotyrosine

Topics

• Animals
• Asialoglycoproteins (metabolism)
• Astrocytes (cytology, drug effects, metabolism)
• Brain Chemistry (drug effects)
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (biosynthesis, immunology, metabolism)
• Cell Differentiation (drug effects)
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Cell Shape (drug effects)
• Cells, Cultured
• Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
• Female
• Fetuins
• Galectin 1 (pharmacology)
• Humans
• Immunoblotting
• Phosphorylation
• Phosphotyrosine (immunology, metabolism)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred F344
• Signal Transduction (drug effects)
• alpha-Fetoproteins (metabolism)