Expression of Slit2 in neural stem cell differentiation and maturation and its inhibitory effect on axon growth

摘要

The present study was done to investigate Slit2 expression in neural stem cell differentiation and maturation and its inhibitory effect on axon growth. Neural stem cells were extracted from newborn SD rats. After neurospheres were formed, immunofluorescence staining was performed to observe cell morphology and to identify cell types after differentiation and maturation of NSCs. NSCs were then induced by culturing into a differentiation culture medium. Western blotting was performed to detect Slit2 protein expressions. Slit2 siRNA was prepared and transfected into NSCs. Transwell chamber assay was used to observe cell migration and CCK-8 assay was performed to detect cell proliferation. Our results show that NSCs have the potential to differentiate into a variety of neural cells and Slit2 expression is significantly increased during differentiation of NSCs. Slit2 siRNA transfection efficiency showed that Slit2 siRNA was successfully transfected into NSCs, and Slit2 siRNA transfection inhibited NSCs migration and proliferation together with axonal growth of NSCs. Therefore, we conclude that Slit2 can promote NSCs migration and proliferation, and can inhibit nerve cell axon growth, which is favorable for neural network reconstruction.