Betacellulin regulates peripheral nerve regeneration by affecting Schwann cell migration and axon elongation

Abstract Background Growth factors execute essential biological functions and affect various physiological pathological processes, including peripheral nerve repair regeneration. Our previous sequencing data showed that the mRNA coding for betacellulin (Btc), an epidermal growth factor protein family member, was up-regulated in rat sciatic segment after injury, implying potential involvement of Btc during Methods Expression examined Schwann cells by immunostaining. The function regulating investigated transfecting cultured with siRNA against or treating recombinant protein. influence cell-secreted on neurons determined using a co-culture assay. vivo effects cell migration axon elongation injury were further evaluated. Results Immunostaining images ELISA outcomes indicated present secreted cells. Transwell wound healing observations transfection impeded while application exogenous advanced migration. Besides effect phenotype, influenced neuron behavior increased neurite length. In evidence supported promoting role regeneration both crush transection injury. Conclusion findings demonstrate roles imply as regenerative strategy