Analysis of DACS, novel matrix structure composed of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in the brain

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24592141
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Cerebral neurosurgery
• Research Institution: Nara Medical University
• Principal Investigator: OKUDA Hiroaki 奈良県立医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (40453162)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: アストロサイト / コンドロイチン硫酸プロテオグリカン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In our previous study, the CS-56 antibody, which recognizes a chondroitin sulfate moiety, labeled a subset of adult brain astrocytes, yielding a patchy extracellular matrix pattern. To explore the molecular nature of CS-56-labeled glycoproteins, we purified glycoproteins of the adult mouse cerebral cortex using a combination of chromatographies. One of the purified proteins was identified as tenascin-R (TNR) by mass spectrometric analysis. When we compared TNR mRNA expression patterns with the distribution patterns of CS-56-positive cells, TNR mRNA was detected in CS-56-positive astrocytes. TNR knockdown by siRNA expression significantly reduced glutamate uptake in cultured astrocytes. Furthermore, expression of mRNA and protein of GLAST, which is a major component of astrocytic glutamate transporters, was reduced by TNR knockdown. Our results suggest that TNR is expressed in a subset of astrocytes and contributes to glutamate homeostasis by regulating astrocytic GLAST expression.

Free Research Field

神経化学