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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Expression and Activity During Neuronal Differentiation of PC12 Pheochromocytoma Cells

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Author(s):
Nery, Arthur A. [1] ; Resende, Rodrigo R. [2, 3] ; Martins, Antonio H. [4] ; Trujillo, Cleber A. [1] ; Eterovic, Vesna A. [4] ; Ulrich, Henning [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim, Dept Bioquim, BR-01498 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Dept Phys, Inst Exact Sci, Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
[3] Fed Univ Sao Joao Del Rei Campus, Ctr Oeste, Divinopolis, MG - Brazil
[4] Univ Cent Caribe, Dept Biochem, Bayamon, PR - USA
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE; v. 41, n. 3, p. 329-339, JUL 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 10
Abstract

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) exert pivotal roles in synaptic transmission, neuroprotection and differentiation. Particularly, homomeric alpha 7 receptors participate in neurite outgrowth, presynaptic control of neurotransmitter release and Ca(2+) influx. However, the study of recombinant alpha 7 nAChRs in transfected cell lines is difficult due to low expression of functional receptor channels. We show that PC12 pheochromocytoma cells induced to differentiation into neurons are an adequate model for studying differential nAChR gene expression and receptor activity. Whole-cell current recording indicated that receptor responses increased during the course of differentiation. Transcription of mRNAs coding for alpha 3, alpha 5, alpha 7, beta 2 and beta 4 subunits was present during the course of differentiation, while mRNAs coding for alpha 2, alpha 4 and beta 3 subunits were not expressed in PC12 cells. alpha 7 subunit expression was highest following 1 day of induction to differentiation. Activity of alpha 7 nAChRs, however, was most elevated on day 2 as revealed by inhibition experiments in the presence of 10 nM methyllycaconitine, rapid current decay and receptor responsiveness to the alpha 7 agonist choline. Increased alpha 7 receptor activity was noted when PC12 were induced to differentiation in the presence of choline, confirming that chronic agonist treatment augments nAChR activity. In summary, PC12 cells are an adequate model to study the role and pharmacological properties of this receptor during neuronal differentiation. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 06/61285-9 - Molecular basis of differentiation of stem and neural progenitor cells
Grantee:Alexander Henning Ulrich
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants