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Title
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The role of Activin A in the regulation of adult neurogenesis.
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| Author(s) |
Abdipranoto, Andrea, St. Vincent Clinical School, UNSW
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| Resource Type |
Thesis
PhD Doctorate
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| Keyword(s) |
Activin.
Developmental neurobiology.
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| Date |
2007 |
| School/Centre |
University of New South Wales. St. Vincent Clinical School |
| Description/Abstract |
Adult neurogenesis is defined as the generation of new nerve cells in the adult central nervous system (CNS). Stimulating neurogenesis may potentially offer a therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
However, it is not clear why neurogenesis does not normally replace neurons lost in these diseases. As a first step to address this problem it is necessary to identify mechanisms that regulate adult neurogenesis in the normal and diseased brain and further, determine if manipulating these mechanisms may offer therapeutic potential.
In this thesis, we identify activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, as a significant regulator of neurogenesis. We demonstrate that mRNA encoding activin A is expressed after a KA injury, and that inhibition of this activin A profoundly impairs neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Further we
demonstrate that activin A impairs gliosis and also has potent anti-inflammatory effects in the injured hippocampus. Finally, we provide evidence that the majority of activin A’s neurogenic effect results from its potent anti-inflammatory actions.
Our study draws a clear link between neurogenesis and inflammation in the CNS and is the first to provide evidence that this process is regulated through activin signalling.
Since inflammation is now believed to be an important component of many neurological diseases we suggest that therapeutic compounds that enhance activin A signalling may offer a therapeutic approach for treating these diseases by
suppressing inflammation and stimulating neurogenesis. |
| Language |
EN |
| Rights |
Please click here to view the rights |
| Print Availability |
T/2007/54 (ask at Level 2 Information Desk, UNSW Library) |
| Citation Link |
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/31925 |
| Full Text | 
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| Total Attachment(s) | 2 |
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