Activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt by IGF-1 on GAP-43 Expression in DRG Neurons with Excitotoxicity Induced by Glutamate In Vitro

Abstract

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a neurotrophic factor and plays an important role in promoting axonal growth from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Whether IGF-1 influences growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) expression and activates the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways in DRG neurons with excitotoxicity induced by glutamate (Glu) remains unknown. In this study, embryonic 15-day-old rat DRG explants were cultured for 48 h and then exposed to IGF-1, Glu, Glu + IGF-1, Glu + IGF-1 + PD98059, Glu + IGF-1 + LY294002, Glu + IGF-1 + PD98059 + LY294002 for additional 12 h. The DRG explants were continuously exposed to growth media as control. The levels of GAP-43 mRNA were detected by real time-PCR analysis. The protein levels of GAP-43, phosphorylated ERK1/2, phosphorylated Akt, total ERK1/2, and total Akt were detected by Western blot assay. GAP-43 expression in situ was determined by immunofluorescent labeling. Apoptotic cell death was monitored by Hoechst 33342 staining. IGF-1 alone increased GAP-43 and its mRNA levels in the absence of Glu. The decreased GAP-43 and its mRNA levels caused by Glu could be partially reversed by the presence of IGF-1. IGF-1 rescued neuronal cell death caused by Glu. Neither the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 nor the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 blocked the effect of IGF-1, but both inhibitors together were effective. To validate the impact of GAP-43 expression by IGF-1, GAP-43 induction was blocked by administration of dexamethasone (DEX). IGF-1 partially rescued the decrease of GAP-43 and its mRNA levels induced by DEX. DEX induced an increase of cell apoptosis. IGF-1 may play an important role in neuroprotective effects on DRG neurons through regulating GAP-43 expression with excitotoxicity induced by Glu and the process was involved in both ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Increases GAP-43 Expression via ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt Pathways in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

“…Moreover, Liu and colleagues reported that IGF-1 might have a neuroprotective effect by regulating GAP-43 expression. The action was completed through both ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt activation [25]. Our findings are in conformity with Liu's report and suggest that CST axonal regeneration is mediated by soluble factors secreted from BMSCs in the study.…”

Activated Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Inhibits the Transition of Endothelial Progenitor Cells to Mesenchymal Cells by Regulating the Forkhead Box Subgroup O-3a Signaling

“…In addition, IGF-1 activates Erk1/2-MAPK signaling [30] and Erk1/2 is activated by PI3K/ Akt [31]. Suppression of Erk1/2 phosphorylation upregulates Smad2/3 phosphorylation and enhances cellular differentiation [32].…”

Upregulation of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) during the Early Stage of Optic Nerve Regeneration in Zebrafish

“…Furthermore, the restoration of visual function is achieved, albeit with a delay, even after LIF knockdown. The GAP-43 gene expression is regulated not only by Jak/STAT3 signaling, but also by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway [48]. The latter is indeed activated during fish optic nerve regeneration [49].…”