Retinoid X receptor gamma signaling accelerates CNS remyelination.

Nat Neurosci, 2011/01;14(1):45-53.

Huang JK[1], Jarjour AA[2], Nait Oumesmar B[3], Kerninon C[3], Williams A[2], Krezel W[4], Kagechika H[5], Bauer J[6], Zhao C[1], Baron-Van Evercooren A[3], Chambon P[4], Ffrench-Constant C[2], Franklin RJM[1]

Affiliations

PMID: 21131950DOI: 10.1038/nn.2702

Impact factor: 28.771

Abstract
The molecular basis of CNS myelin regeneration (remyelination) is poorly understood. We generated a comprehensive transcriptional profile of the separate stages of spontaneous remyelination that follow focal demyelination in the rat CNS and found that transcripts that encode the retinoid acid receptor RXR-γ were differentially expressed during remyelination. Cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage expressed RXR-γ in rat tissues that were undergoing remyelination and in active and remyelinated multiple sclerosis lesions. Knockdown of RXR-γ by RNA interference or RXR-specific antagonists severely inhibited oligodendrocyte differentiation in culture. In mice that lacked RXR-γ, adult oligodendrocyte precursor cells efficiently repopulated lesions after demyelination, but showed delayed differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes. Administration of the RXR agonist 9-cis-retinoic acid to demyelinated cerebellar slice cultures and to aged rats after demyelination caused an increase in remyelinated axons. Our results indicate that RXR-γ is a positive regulator of endogenous oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation and remyelination and might be a pharmacological target for regenerative therapy in the CNS.
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