Melatonin promotes Schwann cell dedifferentiation and proliferation through the Ras/Raf/ERK and MAPK pathways, and glial cell‑derived neurotrophic factor expression

Yee Lian Tiong, Khuen Yen Ng, Rhun Yian Koh, Gnanajothy Ponnudurai, Soi Moi Chye

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Abstract

Upon peripheral nerve injury (PNI), continuous proliferation of Schwann cells is critical for axon regeneration and tubular reconstruction for nerve regeneration. Melatonin is a hormone that is able to induce proliferation in various cell types. In the present study, the effects of melatonin on promoting Schwann cell proliferation and the molecular mechanism involved were investigated. The present results showed that melatonin enhanced the melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) expression in Schwann cells. Melatonin induced Schwann cell dedifferentiation into progenitor‑like Schwann cells, as observed by immunofluorescence staining, which showed Sox2 marker expression. In addition, melatonin enhanced Schwann cell proliferation, mediated by the upregulation of glial cell‑derived neurotropic factor (GNDF) and protein kinase C (PKC). Furthermore, the Ras/Raf/ERK and MAPK signaling pathways were also involved in Schwann cell dedifferentiation and proliferation. In conclusion, melatonin induced Schwann cell dedifferentiation and proliferation via the Ras/Raf/ERK, MAPK and GDNF/PKC pathways. The present results suggested that melatonin could be used to enhance the recovery of PNI.
Original languageEnglish
Article number16
Number of pages9
JournalExperimental and Therapeutic Medicine
Volume20
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2020

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