BCL2 regulates neural differentiation.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.9.4504
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:35:07Z
• Authors: K Z Zhang; J A Westberg; E Hölttä; L C Andersson
• Keywords: Enolase; Nestin; Neurite

A main function attributed to the BCL2 protein is its ability confer resistance against apoptosis. In addition constitutively high expression of BCL2, caused by gene rearrangement in follicular lymphomas, elevated has been found differentiating hematopoietic, neural, and epithelial tissues. To address question whether a cause or consequence cell differentiation, we used human neural-crest-derived tumor line, Paju, that undergoes spontaneous neural differentiation vitro. The Paju line displays moderate level which increases parallel with further induced treatment phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Transfection normal cDNA sense antisense orientations had dramatic impact on cells. Overexpression extensive neurite outgrowth, even low serum concentrations, together an increased neuron-specific enolase. cells expressing anti-sense construct, reduced endogenous levels did not undergo differentiation. These acquired epithelioid morphology up-regulated intermediate filament nestin, typically present primitive neuroectodermal manipulated have appreciable survival culture. Our findings demonstrate product participates regulation