IBR   13079
INSTITUTO DE BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR Y CELULAR DE ROSARIO
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
congresos y reuniones científicas
Título:
Phosphatidylcholine: structural and signaling role in neuronal differentiation
Autor/es:
PAOLETTI, L; ELENA, CLAUDIA; BANCHIO, C
Lugar:
Potrero de los Funes
Reunión:
Congreso; SAIB; 2011
Resumen:
Phosphatidylcholine: structural and signaling role in neuronal differentiation. Paoletti, L., Elena, C. and Banchio C Neuritogenesis is a dynamic process, involving the extension of long protrusions called neurites, and is critically dependent on membrane biosynthesis. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the most abundant phospholipid in eukaryotic cells. During retinoic acid (RA) induced differentiation of neuroblastoma cells, the augmented PC synthesis is supported by the sequential activation of two enzymes of the Kennedy pathway: choline kinase (CK) and CDP:phosphocholine cytydilyltransferase alpha (CCTa). In addition, enforced CK or CCTa expression promoted neuronal differentiation even in the absence of RA.  Interestingly, we found that the addition of PC liposomes promotes neuronal differentiation by activating ERK signaling cascade, mimicking RA effects. In addition, PC-treated neurons express bIII-tubulin as a differentiation marker. In light of these results, chemical inhibitors or siRNAs designed to specifically inhibit CK or CCTa activity, significantly abrogate the extension of neurites, attenuate ERK signaling cascade and decrease the expression of bIII tubulin. These results allow us to propose that PC, or any of its derivative metabolites, are not only important as structural membrane components but it could also stimulate neuronal differentiation, which means a significant progress in the identification of specific signals regulating neuritogenesis.