Use of genetically modified glial cells overexpressing laminin alpha 1-chain peptides in neurite outgrowth studies

1. C6 glioma cells were transfected with two constructs carrying C-terminal laminin alpha1-chain sequences of 117 and 114 bp length, respectively. The se sequences are specifically known to code for peptides which have neurite -promoting activity. 2. The stable expression and secretion of the two peptides was detected by Northern and Western blot analysis. 3. Primary neuronal cultures derived from embryonic mouse forebrain were co cultured with these transfected cells and exhibited a substantial increase in neurite outgrowth and in survival time. Conditioned media from the trans fected cells generated similar effects. 4. Organotypic cultures from embryonic mouse brain were used as a second sy stem as being closer to the in vivo situation. Again, coculture of brain sl ices with transfected cells or treatment with laminin peptide-containing me dia increased neuronal outgrowth.