Project description:The effects of Schwann cells on the neuro-stroma niche in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain to be explored. Here, single-cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis of PDAC tissues reveals that Schwann cells induce malignant subtypes of tumour cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mass Spectrometry (MS) were performed to detected the potential functional factors secreted by Schwann cells.
Project description:We focused on NR2F1 and NR2F2 (CoupTF1/CoupTF2) since they are expressed from neural crest through Schwann cell maturity, and found that knockdown of nuclear receptors Nr2f1 and Nr2f2 in primary Schwann cells downregulated genes such as Myelin Basic Protein (Mbp), Desert Hedgehog (Dhh), and N-Myc Downstream Regulated 1 (Ndrg1). In this study, we have elucidated a NR2F-regulated target gene network in Schwann cells, which revealed enrichment for non-myelinating Schwann cell genes. We used Cut&Run in S16 Schwann cells to show novel, genome-wide binding sites of NR2F1/2 and downstream transcription factors, YY1, SREBP1, Retinoid X Receptor (RXRG) and TEA-Domain factor (TEAD1). Our study elucidates the transcriptional cooperation that forms unique enhancer landscapes and the regulatory network that targets non-myelinating Schwann cells.
Project description:The objective of this study was to compare the transcriptomes of uninfected and canine distemper virus-infected Schwann cells, olfactory ensheating cells, central nervous system Schwann cell-like glia, and fibroblasts cultured under identical conditions in vitro.
Project description:Devil facial tumour disease 1 and 2 (DFT1 and DFT2) are two genetically distinct transmissible cancers endangering the survival of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). DFT1 first arose from a cell of the Schwann cell lineage, however, the tissue-of-origin of the recently discovered DFT2 cancer remains unknown. Here we have performed mRNA and protein expression analyses to show that variation in expression patterns between DFT1 and DFT2 tumours is low. Furthermore, DFT2 cells express a range of markers associated with Schwann cell differentiation, suggesting a similar tissue-of-origin to DFT1 tumours. These findings suggest that devils may be predisposed to transmissible cancers of Schwann cell origin. The emergence of these two unique cancers presents an unprecedented opportunity to gain insight into cancer development in animal species.
Project description:Schwann cells play critical roles in peripheral neuropathies, however, the regulatory mechanisms of their homeostasis remain largely unknown. Here we show that nucleoporin Seh1, a component of nuclear pore complex, is important for Schwann cell homeostasis and loss of Seh1 led to necroptosis of non-myelinating Schwann cell and degeneration of sensory neurons. While myelinogenesis, myelinating Schwann cell, and wrapped large fibers were not affected, mice with depletion of Seh1 in Schwann cell lineage developed progressive reduction of non-myelinating Schwann cells in sciatic nerves, followed by the degeneration of unmyelinated small sensory fibers and malfunction of the sensory system. Mechanistically, Seh1 safeguards genome stability by mediating the interaction between SETDB1 and KAP1. The disrupted interaction after ablation of Seh1 derepresses endogenous retroviruses, which triggers ZBP1-dependent necroptosis in non-myelinating Schwann cells. Collectively, our results reveal that Seh1 is required for homeostasis of Schwann cells and suggest that decrease of nucleoporins as aging may participate in the pathogenesis of periphery neuropathies.
Project description:A protocol was established for the derivation of Schwann cell-like cells from human BMSCs. The commitment to the Schwann cell fate was acquired by Schwann cell-like cells in co-culture with rat DRG neurons. Microarray analysis provided evidence that the human BMSC-derived Schwann cells were functionally mature.
Project description:Peripheral glial Schwann cells switch to a repair state after nerve injury, proliferate to supply lost cell population, migrate to form regeneration tracks, and generates a permissive microenvironment for nerve regeneration. Exploring essential regulators of the repair responses of Schwann cells may benefit the clinical treatment for peripheral nerve injury. In the present study, FOSL1 regulates Schwann cell phenotype modulation and provided a novel therapeutic approach to orchestrate the regeneration and functional recovery of injured peripheral nerves.
