K. Forsbergnilsson et al., PLATELET-DERIVED GROWTH-FACTOR INDUCES CHEMOTAXIS OF NEUROEPITHELIAL STEM-CELLS, Journal of neuroscience research, 53(5), 1998, pp. 521-530
The ability of differentiating cells to migrate within the developing
central nervous system (CNS) depends on extrinsic guidance signals, so
me of which are growth factors. In this study we have investigated the
chemotactic response of cultured stem cells from the embryonic rat co
rtex to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Nestin-positive stem ce
lls from the developing CNS can be maintained and expanded in vitro un
der serum-free conditions in the presence of basic fibroblast growth f
actor (bFGF). Northern blot analysis of PDGF receptor expression revea
led both alpha- and P-receptors on bFGF-treated neural stem cells. Bot
h PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB readily induced directed migration of cultured n
euroepithelial cells as measured in a microchemotaxis assay. Blocking
of the migratory response was achieved by incubation with PDGF isoform
-specific antibodies. More than 90% of the migrating cells were nestin
-positive and incorporation of BrdU was also seen suggesting the cells
to be immature and not yet committed to a specific cell lineage. Thes
e findings suggest a role for PDGF in cell migration in the developing
cortex. J. Neurosci. Res. 53:521-530, 1998, (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.