Expression of SGTA correlates with neuronal apoptosis and reactive gliosis after spinal cord injury

Cell Tissue Res. 2014 Nov;358(2):277-88. doi: 10.1007/s00441-014-1946-1. Epub 2014 Jul 17.

Abstract

Small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-containing protein alpha (SGTA) is a novel TPR-containing protein involved in various biological processes. However, the expression and roles of SGTA in the central nervous system remain unknown. We have produced an acute spinal cord injury (SCI) model in adult rats and found that SGTA protein levels first significantly increase, reach a peak at day 3 and then gradually return to normal level at day 14 after SCI. These changes are striking in neurons, astrocytes and microglia. Additionally, colocalization of SGTA/active caspase-3 has been detected in neurons and colocalization of SGTA/proliferating cell nuclear antigen has been detected in astrocytes and microglial. In vitro, SGTA depletion by short interfering RNA inhibits astrocyte proliferation and decreases cyclinA and cyclinD1 protein levels. SGTA knockdown also reduces neuronal apoptosis. We speculate that SGTA is involved in biochemical and physiological responses after SCI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Gliosis / etiology*
  • Gliosis / pathology
  • Male
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurons / pathology*
  • Phenotype
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Sgta protein, rat