Myotube-derived factor promotes oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation

Muscle cells secrete numerous molecules that function as endocrine hormones and regulate the functions of distant organs. Myelination in the central nervous system (CNS) is regulated by peripheral hormones. However, the effects of muscle-derived molecules on myelination have not been sufficiently analyzed. In this study, we show that muscle-releasing factors promote proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which is an element of myelination process. Supernatants of mouse myotube cultures stimulated bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into mouse OPCs. Mouse myotube supernatants did not enhance mouse OPC transmigration and myelin basic protein (MBP) expression. RNA sequencing identified candidate genes with hormonal functions that were expressed in mouse myotubes. These data support the possibility that hormonal molecules secreted by myotubes contribute to OPC proliferation and myelination.

肌细胞可分泌多种作为内分泌激素发挥功能的分子，用于调控远端器官的生理功能。中枢神经系统（CNS）的髓鞘形成过程受外周激素调控，但目前针对肌源分子对髓鞘形成的影响尚未得到充分分析。本研究证实，肌细胞释放的因子可促进少突胶质前体细胞（OPCs）的增殖——这是髓鞘形成过程的核心环节之一。小鼠肌管培养物的上清液可促进溴脱氧尿苷（BrdU）掺入小鼠少突胶质前体细胞中；但小鼠肌管上清液并未增强小鼠OPCs的跨膜迁移能力与髓鞘碱性蛋白（MBP）的表达水平。通过RNA测序，我们鉴定出了在小鼠肌管中表达的、具备激素功能的候选基因。上述数据支持了肌管分泌的激素分子参与调控OPC增殖与髓鞘形成的可能性。