Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Primary Schwann Cells and a Spontaneously Immortalized Schwann Cell Line RSC 96: A Comprehensive Overview with a Focus on Cell Adhesion and Migration Related Proteins

Schwann cells (SCs) are the principal glial cells of
the peripheral
nervous system (PNS). As a result of tissue heterogeneity and difficulties
in the isolation and culture of primary SCs, a considerable understanding
of SC biology is obtained from SC lines. However, the differences
between the primary SCs and SC lines remain uncertain. In the present
study, quantitative proteomic analysis based on isobaric tags for
relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling was conducted
to obtain an unbiased view of the proteomic profiles of primary rat
SCs and RSC96, a spontaneously immortalized rat SC line. Out of 1757
identified proteins (FDR < 1%), 1702 were quantified, while 61
and 78 were found to be, respectively, up- or down-regulated (90%
confidence interval) in RSC96. Bioinformatics analysis indicated the
unique features of spontaneous immortalization, illustrated the dedifferentiated
state of RSC96, and highlighted a panel of novel proteins associated
with cell adhesion and migration including CADM4, FERMT2, and MCAM.
Selected proteomic data and the requirement of these novel proteins
in SC adhesion and migration were properly validated. Taken together,
our data collectively revealed proteome differences between primary
SCs and RSC96, validated several differentially expressed proteins
with potential biological significance, and generated a database that
may serve as a useful resource for studies of SC biology and pathology.