Exp Neurobiol.  2014 Jun;23(2):130-137. 10.5607/en.2014.23.2.130.

Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Family Proteins and c-jun Signaling in Injury-induced Schwann Cell Plasticity

• Lee HJ
• Shin YK
• Park HT

• KMID: 2165513
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5607/en.2014.23.2.130

Abstract

Schwann cells (SCs) in the peripheral nerves myelinate axons during postnatal development to allow saltatory conduction of nerve impulses. Well-organized structures of myelin sheathes are maintained throughout life unless nerves are insulted. After peripheral nerve injury, unidentified signals from injured nerves drive SC dedifferentiation into an immature state. Dedifferentiated SCs participate in axonal regeneration by producing neurotrophic factors and removing degenerating nerve debris. In this review, we focus on the role of mitogen activated protein kinase family proteins (MAP kinases) in SC dedifferentiation. In addition, we will highlight neuregulin 1 and the transcription factor c-jun as upstream and downstream signals for MAP kinases in SC responses to nerve injury.

Keyword

Schwann cell; dedifferentiation; plasticity; nerve injury; mitogen activated protein kinase family proteins; c-jun

MeSH Terms

Action Potentials
Axons
Humans
Myelin Sheath
Nerve Growth Factors
Neuregulin-1
Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Peripheral Nerves
Phosphotransferases
Plastics*
Protein Kinases*
Regeneration
Schwann Cells
Transcription Factors
Nerve Growth Factors
Neuregulin-1
Phosphotransferases
Plastics
Protein Kinases
Transcription Factors