Neurturin is a PGC-1α1-controlled myokine that promotes motor neuron recruitment and neuromuscular junction formation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

We examined whether skeletal muscle overexpression of PGC-1α1 or PGC-1α4 affected myokine secretion and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation.

Methods

A microfluidic device was used to model endocrine signaling and NMJ formation between primary mouse myoblast-derived myotubes and embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons. Differences in hydrostatic pressure allowed for fluidic isolation of either cell type or unidirectional signaling in the fluid phase. Myotubes were transduced to overexpress PGC-1α1 or PGC-1α4, and myokine secretion was quantified using a proximity extension assay. Morphological and functional changes in NMJs were measured by fluorescent microscopy and by monitoring muscle contraction upon motor neuron stimulation.

Results

Skeletal muscle

SUBMITTER: Mills R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5784328 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature