The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p57kip2 is a negative regulator of Schwann cell differentiation and in vitro myelination.

ABSTRACT: The p57kip2 gene encodes a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor family, proteins known to block G(1)/S transition during the mammalian cell cycle. We observed that expression of p57kip2 in Schwann cells of the developing and injured adult peripheral nervous system is dynamically regulated. Using gene knockdown by means of vector-based RNA interference in cultured primary Schwann cells we found that reduced levels of p57kip2 lead to cell cycle exit, actin filament stabilization, altered cell morphology and growth, and down-regulation of promyelinating markers as well as induction of myelin genes and proteins. In addition, we could demonstrate that in vitro myelination is enhanced by p57kip2-suppressed Schwann cells. Using microarray technology we found that these cellular reactio

SUBMITTER: Heinen A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2438380 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature