Gene expression of neurotrophins and their high-affinity Trk receptors in cultured human Müller cells

Ophthalmic Res. 2002 Jan-Feb;34(1):38-42. doi: 10.1159/000048323.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the gene expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) and their high-affinity receptors (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) in cultured human Müller cells.

Methods: The polymerase chain reaction was performed using specific primers for NGF, BDNF, NT-3, TrkA, TrkB and TrkC with complementary DNAs as the template, which were generated from poly-A+ RNA of cultured human Müller cells.

Results: We detected the precursor mRNA transcripts for NGF, BDNF, NT-3, TrkB and TrkC, but not TrkA.

Conclusion: Human Müller cells can direct mRNA expressions of a number of neurotrophins which may have a neurotrophic function in the retina. An autocrine mode of action is suggested, since Müller cells not only synthesize neurotrophic factors, but also express their specific receptors.

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA Primers
  • Gene Expression*
  • Humans
  • Nerve Growth Factors / genetics*
  • Nerve Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Neuroglia / cytology
  • Neuroglia / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / genetics*
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Retina / cytology
  • Retina / metabolism*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor