Extracellular cathepsin L stimulates axonal growth in neurons. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tohda, Chihiro; Tohda, Michihisa
• Is Part Of: BMC research notes. Volume 10:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: Axonal growth -- Cortical neurons -- Spinal cord neurons -- Cathepsin L; Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2940-y
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-0500

Abstract

Abstract Objective Cathepsin L, a lysosomal endopeptidase expressed in most eukaryotic cells, is a member of the papain-like family of cysteine proteases. Although commonly recognized as a lysosomal protease, cathepsin L is also secreted and involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. Previous studies demonstrated that the secretion of cathepsin L was stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and bFGF-enhanced axonal terminal sprouting of motor neurons. Based on these results, although it has never been directly investigated, we hypothesized that extracellular cathepsin L may induce axonal growth. Results To confirm the hypothesis, the axonal growth activity of recombinant cathepsin L was evaluated in cultured cortical and spinal cord neurons. Treatment with recombinant cathepsin L significantly enhanced axonal growth, but not dendritic growth. This result indicated that extracellular cathepsin L may act as a new neuronal network modulator.