bcl-x is expressed in embryonic and postnatal neural tissues and functions to prevent neuronal cell death

  1. M González-García,
  2. I García,
  3. L Ding,
  4. S O'Shea,
  5. L H Boise,
  6. C B Thompson, and
  7. G Núñez
  1. Department of Pathology and Anatomy, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.

Abstract

Previous studies have implicated the bcl-2 protooncogene as a potential regulator of neuronal survival. However, mice lacking functional bcl-2 exhibited normal development and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS). Since bcl-2 appears dispensable for neuronal survival, we have examined the expression and function of bcl-x, another member of the bcl-2 family of death regulatory genes. Bcl-2 is expressed in neuronal tissues during embryonic development but is down-regulated in the adult CNS. In contrast, Bcl-xL expression is retained in neurons of the adult CNS. Two different forms of bcl-x mRNA and their corresponding products, Bcl-xL and Bcl-x beta, were expressed in embryonic and adult neurons of the CNS. Microinjection of bcl-xL and bcl-x beta cDNAs into primary sympathetic neurons inhibited their death induced by nerve growth factor withdrawal. Thus, Bcl-x proteins appear to play an important role in the regulation of neuronal survival in the adult CNS.

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  1. PNAS May 9, 1995 vol. 92 no. 10 4304-4308
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