P2Y12 receptor expression is a critical determinant of functional responsiveness to ATX's MORFO domain

In the central nervous system, the formation of the myelin sheath and the differentiation of the myelinating cells, namely oligodendrocytes, are regulated by complex signaling networks that involve purinergic receptors and the extracellular matrix. However, the exact nature of the molecular interactions underlying these networks still needs to be defined. In this respect, the data presented here reveal a signaling mechanism that is characterized by an interaction between the purinergic P2Y(12) receptor and the matricellular extracellular matrix protein autotaxin (ATX), also known as ENPP2, phosphodiesterase-Iα/ATX, or lysoPLD. ATX has been previously described by us to mediate intermediate states of oligodendrocyte adhesion and to enable changes in oligodendrocyte morphology that are thought to be crucial for the formation of a fully functional myelin sheath. This functional property of ATX is mediated by ATX's modulator of oligodendrocyte remodeling and focal adhesion organization (MORFO) domain. Here, we show that the expression of the P2Y(12) receptor is necessary for ATX's MORFO domain to exert its effects on differentiating oligodendrocytes. In addition, our data demonstrate that exogenous expression of the P2Y(12) receptor can render cells responsive to the known effects of ATX's MORFO domain, and they identify Rac1 as an intracellular factor mediating the effect of ATX-MORFO-P2Y(12) signaling on the assembly of focal adhesions. Our data further support the idea that a physical interaction between ATX and the P2Y(12) receptor provides the basis for an ATX-MORFO-P2Y(12) signaling axis that is crucial for mediating cellular states of intermediate adhesion and morphological/structural plasticity.     

Interactions between oligodendrocyte precursors control the onset of CNS myelination

The formation of CNS myelin is dependent on the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and oligodendrocyte maturation. How the initiation of myelination is regulated is unclear, but it is likely to depend on the development of competence by oligodendrocytes and receptivity by target axons. Here we identify an additional level of control of oligodendrocyte maturation mediated by interactions between the different cellular components of the oligodendrocyte lineage. During development oligodendrocyte precursors mature through a series of stages defined by labeling with monoclonal antibodies A2B5 and O4. Newly differentiated oligodendrocytes begin to express galactocerebroside recognized by O1 antibodies and subsequently mature to myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive cells prior to formation of compact myelin. Using an in vitro brain slice culture system that supports robust myelination, the consequences of ablating cells at different stages of the oligodendrocyte lineage on myelination have been assayed. Elimination of all OPC lineage cells through A2B5+, O4+, and O1+ complement-mediated cell lysis resulted in a delay in development of MBP cells and myelination. Selective elimination of early OPCs (A2B5+) also unexpectedly resulted in delayed MBP expression compared to controls suggesting that early OPCs contribute to the timing of myelination onset. By contrast, elimination of differentiated (O1+) immature oligodendrocytes permanently inhibited the appearance of MBP+ cells suggesting that oligodendrocytes are critical to facilitate the maturation of OPCs. These data illuminate that the presence of intra-lineage feed-forward and feedback cues are important for timely myelination by oligodendrocytes.     

Differential Ultrastructural Localization of Myelin Basic Protein, Myelin/Oligodendroglial Glycoprotein, and 2'',3''-Cyclic Nucleotide 3''-Phosphodiesterase in the CNS of Adult Rats

In a light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical study we have examined the distribution of myelin basic protein (MBP), 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP), and myelin/oligodendroglial glycoprotein (MOG) within CNS myelin sheaths and oligodendrocytes of adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Ultrastructural immunocytochemistry allowed quantitative analysis of antigen density in different myelin and oligodendrocyte zones: MBP was detectable in high density over the whole myelin sheath, but not in regions of loops, somata, or the oligodendrocyte plasma membrane. CNP reactivity was highest at the myelin/axon interface, and found in lower concentration over the outer lamellae of myelin sheaths, at the cytoplasmic face of oligodendrocyte membranes, and throughout the compact myelin. MOG was preferentially detected at the extracellular surface of myelin sheaths and oligodendrocytes and in only low amounts in the lamellae of compacted myelin and the myelin/axon border zone. Our studies, thus, indicate further the presence of different molecular domains in compact myelin, which may be functionally relevant for the integrity and maintenance of the myelin sheath.     

Silencing or knocking out the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger-3 (NCX3) impairs oligodendrocyte differentiation

Changes in intracellular [Ca(2+)](i) levels have been shown to influence developmental processes that accompany the transition of human oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) into mature myelinating oligodendrocytes and are required for the initiation of the myelination and re-myelination processes. In the present study, we explored whether calcium signals mediated by the selective sodium calcium exchanger (NCX) family members NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3, play a role in oligodendrocyte maturation. Functional studies, as well as mRNA and protein expression analyses, revealed that NCX1 and NCX3, but not NCX2, were divergently modulated during OPC differentiation into oligodendrocyte phenotype. In fact, whereas NCX1 was downregulated, NCX3 was strongly upregulated during oligodendrocyte development. The importance of calcium signaling mediated by NCX3 during oligodendrocyte maturation was supported by several findings. Indeed, whereas knocking down the NCX3 isoform in OPCs prevented the upregulation of the myelin protein markers 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) and myelin basic protein (MBP), its overexpression induced an upregulation of CNPase and MBP. Furthermore, NCX3-knockout mice showed not only a reduced size of spinal cord but also marked hypo-myelination, as revealed by decrease in MBP expression and by an accompanying increase in OPC number. Collectively, our findings indicate that calcium signaling mediated by NCX3 has a crucial role in oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin formation.     

Death receptor 6 negatively regulates oligodendrocyte survival, maturation and myelination

Survival and differentiation of oligodendrocytes are important for the myelination of central nervous system (CNS) axons during development and crucial for myelin repair in CNS demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Here we show that death receptor 6 (DR6) is a negative regulator of oligodendrocyte maturation. DR6 is expressed strongly in immature oligodendrocytes and weakly in mature myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive oligodendrocytes. Overexpression of DR6 in oligodendrocytes leads to caspase 3 (casp3) activation and cell death. Attenuation of DR6 function leads to enhanced oligodendrocyte maturation, myelination and downregulation of casp3. Treatment with a DR6 antagonist antibody promotes remyelination in both lysolecithin-induced demyelination and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models. Consistent with the DR6 antagoinst antibody studies, DR6-null mice show enhanced remyelination in both demyelination models. These studies reveal a pivotal role for DR6 signaling in immature oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination that may provide new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of demyelination disorders such as multiple sclerosis.     

Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Oligodendrocytes

Abstract: The proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitors are stringently controlled by an interacting network of growth and differentiation factors. Not much is known, however, about the intracellular signaling pathways activated in oligodendrocytes. In this study, we have examined the activation of m itogen-a ctivated p rotein (MAP) kinase [also called e xtracellular s ignal-r egulated protein k inases (ERKs)] in primary cultures of developing oligodendrocytes and in a primary oligodendrocyte cell line, CG4, in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor. MAP kinase activation was determined by an in-gel protein kinase renaturation assay using myelin basic protein (MBP) as the substrate. The specificity of MAP kinase activation was further confirmed by an immune complex kinase assay using anti-MAP kinase antibodies. Stimulation of oligodendrocyte progenitors with the growth factors PDGF and basic fibroblast growth factor and a protein kinase C-activating tumor promoter, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, resulted in a rapid activation of p42^mapk (ERK2) and, to a lesser extent, p44^mapk (ERK1). Immunoblot analysis with anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies revealed an increased Tyr phosphorylation of a 42-kDa phosphoprotein band cross-reacting with anti-MAP kinase antibodies. The phosphorylation of p42^mapk in PDGF-treated oligodendrocyte progenitors was preceded by a robust autophosphorylation of the growth factor receptor. Immunoblot analysis with anti-pan-ERK antibodies indicated the presence of ERK-immunoreactive species other than p42^mapk and p44^mapk in oligodendrocytes. The presence of some of the same pan-ERK-immunoreactive species and certain renaturable MBP kinase activities was also demonstrable in myelin preparations from rat brain, suggesting that MAP kinases (and other MBP kinases) may function not only during oligodendrogenesis but also in myelinogenesis.     

Contact with central nervous system myelin inhibits oligodendrocyte progenitor maturation

Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are generated during development through the proliferation and differentiation of a distinct progenitor population. Not all oligodendrocyte progenitors generated during development differentiate, however, and large numbers of oligodendrocyte progenitors are present in the adult CNS, particularly in white matter. These "adult progenitors" can be identified through expression of the NG2 proteoglycan. Adult oligodendrocyte progenitors are thought to develop from the original pool of progenitors and in vitro are capable of differentiating into oligodendrocytes. Why these cells fail to differentiate in the intact CNS is currently unclear. Here we show that contact with CNS myelin inhibits the maturation of immature oligodendrocyte progenitors. The inhibition of oligodendrocyte progenitor maturation is a characteristic of CNS myelin that is not shared by several other membrane preparations including adult and neonatal neural membrane fractions, PNS myelin, or liver. This inhibition is concentration dependent, is reversible, and appears not to be mediated by either myelin basic protein or basic fibroblast growth factor. Myelin-induced inhibition of oligodendrocyte progenitor maturation provides a mechanism to explain the generation of a residual pool of immature oligodendrocyte progenitors in the mature CNS.     

The ectopic expression of myelin basic protein isoforms in Shiverer oligodendrocytes: implications for myelinogenesis

The myelin basic proteins (MBPs) are a set of peripheral membrane polypeptides that are required for the compaction of the major dense line of central nervous system myelin. We have used primary cultures of oligodendrocytes from MBP-deficient shiverer mice as host cells for the expression by cDNA transfection of each of the four major MBP isoforms. The distributions of the encoded polypeptides were studied by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy and compared with patterns of MBP expression in normal mouse oligodendrocytes in situ and in culture. The exon II-containing 21.5- or 17-kD MBPs were distributed diffusely in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus of the transfectants, closely resembling the patterns obtained in myelinating oligodendrocytes in 9-d-old normal mouse brains. By contrast, the distribution of the 14- and 18.5-kD MBPs in the transfectants was confined to the plasma membrane and mimicked the distribution of MBP in cultures of normal adult oligodendrocytes. Our results strongly suggest that the exon II-containing MBPs are expressed first and exclusively during oligodendrocyte maturation, where they may play a role in the early phase of implementation of the myelination program. In contrast, the 14- and 18.5-kD MBPs that possess strong affinity for the plasma membrane are likely to be the principle inducers of myelin compaction at the major dense line.     

Emergence of three myelin proteins in oligodendrocytes cultured without neurons

Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system, were cultured from newborn rat brain and optic nerve to allow us to analyze whether two transmembranous myelin proteins, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and proteolipid protein (PLP), were expressed together with myelin basic protein (MBP) in defined medium with low serum and in the absence of neurons. Using double label immunofluorescence, we investigated when and where these three myelin proteins appeared in cells expressing galactocerebroside (GC), a specific marker for the oligodendrocyte membrane. We found that a proportion of oligodendrocytes derived from brain and optic nerve invariably express MBP, MAG, and PLP about a week after the emergence of GC, which occurs around birth. In brain-derived oligodendrocytes, MBP and MAG first emerge between the fifth and the seventh day after birth, followed by PLP 1 to 2 d later. All three proteins were confined to the cell body at that time, although an extensive network of GC positive processes had already developed. Each protein shows a specific cytoplasmic localization: diffuse for MBP, mostly perinuclear for MAG, and particulate for PLP. Interestingly, MAG, which may be involved in glial-axon interactions, is the first myelin protein detected in the processes at approximately 10 d after birth. MBP and PLP are only seen in these locations after 15 d. All GC-positive cells express the three myelin proteins by day 19. Simultaneously, numerous membrane and myelin whorls accumulate along the oligodendrocyte surface. The sequential emergence, cytoplasmic location, and peak of expression of these three myelin proteins in vitro follow a pattern similar to that described in vivo and, therefore, are independent of continuous neuronal influences. Such cultures provide a convenient system to study factors regulating expression of myelin proteins.     

Effect of phosphorylation of myelin basic protein by MAPK on its interactions with actin and actin binding to a lipid membrane in vitro

Myelin basic protein (MBP) binds to negatively charged lipids on the cytosolic surface of oligodendrocyte membranes and is most likely responsible for adhesion of these surfaces in the multilayered myelin sheath. It can also polymerize actin, bundle F-actin filaments, and bind actin filaments to lipid bilayers through electrostatic interactions. MBP consists of a number of posttranslationally modified isomers of varying charge, some resulting from phosphorylation at several sites by different kinases, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Phosphorylation of MBP in oligodendrocytes occurs in response to various extracellular stimuli. Phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of MBP also occurs in the myelin sheath in response to electrical activity in the brain. Here we investigate the effect of phosphorylation of MBP on its interaction with actin in vitro by phosphorylating the most highly charged unmodified isomer, C1, at two sites with MAPK. Phosphorylation decreased the ability of MBP to polymerize actin and to bundle actin filaments but had no effect on the dissociation constant of the MBP-actin complex or on the ability of Ca2+-calmodulin to dissociate the complex. The most significant effect of phosphorylation on the MBP-actin complex was a dramatic reduction in its ability to bind to negatively charged lipid bilayers. The effect was much greater than that reported earlier for another charge isomer of MBP, C8, in which six arginines were deiminated to citrulline, resulting in a reduction of net positive charge of 6. These results indicate that although average electrostatic forces are the primary determinant of the interaction of MBP with actin, phosphorylation may have an additional effect due to a site-specific electrostatic effect or to a conformational change. Thus, phosphorylation of MBP, which occurs in response to various extracellular signals in both myelin and oligodendrocytes, attenuates the ability of MBP to polymerize and bundle actin and to bind it to a negatively charged membrane.     

Activation of PKC isoforms by ATP/UTP and PMA in murine astrocytes

Abnormal myelin formation appears to be one defect contributing to the neuropathology associated with the fetal alcohol syndrome, the major cause of noncongenital mental retardation. Using the CG-4 cell line we previously showed that 25–75 m m ethanol (EtOH) down-regulates myelin basic protein (MBP) expression in differentiating oligodendrocytes (OLGs) without affecting the 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) expression or morphological development (Bichenkov and Ellingson 2001). Here we observed that a relatively low concentration of 12-phorbol-13-myristate acetate (PMA) mimicked the EtOH-caused inhibition of MBP expression without affecting CNP expression or morphology. The inhibition of MBP expression by 100 m m EtOH or 1 n m PMA was completely counteracted by three inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC); bisinodoylmaleimide I, chelerythrine chloride, and calphostin C, indicating that EtOH down-regulated MBP expression by activating PKC. We investigated whether the EtOH-caused activation resulted in part from up-regulation of the expression of PKC isozymes. Of 11 PKC isozymes examined, CG-4 OLGs expressed nine; PKC α, β1, β2, δ, ε, λ, μ, nu and zeta; while PKC isozymes γ and theta were not detected. Only five PKC isozymes, α, β1, β2, μ, and nu, displayed developmental changes in expression. However, EtOH did not up-regulate the early expression of any PKC isozyme during the first two days of differentiation, the developmental stage when it down-regulates the MBP expression in CG-4 cells. The results indicate that EtOH delays MBP expression by activating at least one phorbol ester-sensitive PKC isozyme in differentiating oligodendrocytes without up-regulating its expression.
Acknowledgements:   Support: NIAAA Grant AA072185.       

Myelin management by the 18.5‐kDa and 21.5‐kDa classic myelin basic protein isoforms

The classic myelin basic protein (MBP) splice isoforms range in nominal molecular mass from 14 to 21.5 kDa, and arise from the gene in the oligodendrocyte lineage (Golli) in maturing oligodendrocytes. The 18.5‐kDa isoform that predominates in adult myelin adheres the cytosolic surfaces of oligodendrocyte membranes together, and forms a two‐dimensional molecular sieve restricting protein diffusion into compact myelin. However, this protein has additional roles including cytoskeletal assembly and membrane extension, binding to SH3‐domains, participation in Fyn‐mediated signaling pathways, sequestration of phosphoinositides, and maintenance of calcium homeostasis. Of the diverse post‐translational modifications of this isoform, phosphorylation is the most dynamic, and modulates 18.5‐kDa MBP's protein‐membrane and protein‐protein interactions, indicative of a rich repertoire of functions. In developing and mature myelin, phosphorylation can result in microdomain or even nuclear targeting of the protein, supporting the conclusion that 18.5‐kDa MBP has significant roles beyond membrane adhesion. The full‐length, early‐developmental 21.5‐kDa splice isoform is predominantly karyophilic due to a non‐traditional P‐Y nuclear localization signal, with effects such as promotion of oligodendrocyte proliferation. We discuss in vitro and recent in vivo evidence for multifunctionality of these classic basic proteins of myelin, and argue for a systematic evaluation of the temporal and spatial distributions of these protein isoforms, and their modified variants, during oligodendrocyte differentiation.     

Regulation of cell proliferation by nucleocytoplasmic dynamics of postnatal and embryonic exon-II-containing MBP isoforms

The only known structural protein required for formation of myelin, produced by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system, is myelin basic protein (MBP). This peripheral membrane protein has different developmentally-regulated isoforms, generated by alternative splicing. The isoforms are targeted to distinct subcellular locations, which is governed by the presence or absence of exon-II, although their functional expression is often less clear. Here, we investigated the role of exon-II-containing MBP isoforms and their link with cell proliferation. Live-cell imaging and FRAP analysis revealed a dynamic nucleocytoplasmic translocation of the exon-II-containing postnatal 21.5-kDa MBP isoform upon mitogenic modulation. Its nuclear export was blocked upon treatment with leptomycin B, an inhibitor of nuclear protein export. Next to the postnatal MBP isoforms, embryonic exon-II-containing MBP (e-MBP) is expressed in primary (immature) oligodendrocytes. The e-MBP isoform is exclusively present in OLN-93 cells, a rat-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cell line, and interestingly, also in several non-CNS cell lines. As seen for postnatal MBPs, a similar nucleocytoplasmic translocation upon mitogenic modulation was observed for e-MBP. Thus, upon serum deprivation, e-MBP was excluded from the nucleus, whereas re-addition of serum re-established its nuclear localization, with a concomitant increase in proliferation. Knockdown of MBP by shRNA confirmed a role for e-MBP in OLN-93 proliferation, whereas the absence of e-MBP similarly reduced the proliferative capacity of non-CNS cell lines. Thus, exon-II-containing MBP isoforms may regulate cell proliferation via a mechanism that relies on their dynamic nuclear import and export, which is not restricted to the oligodendrocyte lineage.     

Gas6 enhances axonal ensheathment by MBP+ membranous processes in human DRG/OL promyelinating co-cultures

The molecular requirements for human myelination are incompletely defined, and further study is needed to fully understand the cellular mechanisms involved during development and in demyelinating diseases. We have established a human co-culture model to study myelination. Our earlier observations showed that addition of human γ-carboxylated growth-arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) to human oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) cultures enhanced their survival and maturation. Therefore, we explored the effect of Gas6 in co-cultures of enriched OPCs plated on axons of human fetal dorsal root ganglia explant. Gas6 significantly enhanced the number of myelin basic protein-positive (MBP⁺) oligodendrocytes with membranous processes parallel with and ensheathing axons relative to co-cultures maintained in defined medium only for 14 days. Gas6 did not increase the overall number of MBP⁺ oligodendrocytes/culture; however, it significantly increased the length of MBP⁺ oligodendrocyte processes in contact with and wrapping axons. Multiple oligodendrocytes were in contact with a single axon, and several processes from one oligodendrocyte made contact with one or multiple axons. Electron microscopy supported confocal Z-series microscopy demonstrating axonal ensheathment by MBP⁺ oligodendrocyte membranous processes in Gas6-treated co-cultures. Contacts between the axonal and oligodendrocyte membranes were evident and multiple wraps of oligodendrocyte membrane around the axon were visible supporting a model system in which to study events in human myelination and aspects of non-compact myelin formation.