Rnh1 promotes differentiation and myelination via RhoA in oligodendrocytes

Increases in Rattus norvegicus ribonuclease/angiogenin inhibitor 1 (Rnh1) are observed in rat primary neuron injury and/or the regeneration process and in differentiated oligodendrocytes. However, the roles of Rnh1 in the central nervous system are still largely unexplored. RhoA is an important signaling protein that has been implicated in oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. We demonstrate enhanced differentiation and myelination of oligodendrocytes mediated by Rnh1 in vitro. We further show that Rnh1 is expressed in oligodendrocyte precursors and oligodendrocytes. Importantly, Rnh1 strongly affects oligodendrocyte differentiation through RhoA-ROCK signaling. Moreover, changes in Rnh1 expression in oligodendrocytes regulates the expression and phosphorylation of Fyn, a regulator of RhoA activity. Finally, Rnh1 promotes myelination in vitro. These results show that Rnh1-mediated RhoA inactivation enhances the differentiation and myelination in oligodendrocytes. Overall, Rnh1 might contribute to oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination processes in vitro.