Ndrg2 promotes neurite outgrowth of NGF-differentiated PC12 cells

Neurosci Lett. 2005 Nov 18;388(3):157-62. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.06.055.

Abstract

Ndrg2 is a member of the N-myc downstream-regulated genes. Thus far, two different isoforms of rat Ndrg2 protein, Ndrg2S and Ndrg2L, have been identified. Recently, we have identified rat Ndrg2 as a novel target molecule of antidepressants and ECT. The functional role of Ndrg2 in the central nervous system, however, remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the expression of endogenous Ndrg2, cellular localization of transfected Ndrg2 protein, and morphological changes resulting from overexpression of Ndrg2 in NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. Neurites began to sprout 1-2 days after exposure to NGF; subsequent neurite growth continued for 5 days. During this time, we evaluated Ndrg2 mRNA expression by real-time quantitative PCR and found that expression significantly increased in a time-dependent manner. Interestingly, V5-conjugated Ndrg2S and Ndrg2L proteins expressed in NGF-differentiated PC12 specifically localized to cell surface membranes and growth cones. Moreover, Ndrg2S and Ndrg2L overexpression promoted neurite elongation in NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. In conclusion, our findings offer novel insights into the physiological roles of Ndrg2 in the central nervous system.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Central Nervous System / cytology
  • Central Nervous System / embryology*
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology
  • Growth Cones / drug effects
  • Growth Cones / metabolism
  • Growth Substances / genetics
  • Growth Substances / metabolism*
  • Nerve Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Neurites / drug effects
  • Neurites / metabolism*
  • PC12 Cells
  • Proteins / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Substances

  • Growth Substances
  • NDRG2 protein, human
  • Ndrg2 protein, rat
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Nerve Growth Factor