The Expression of Netrin-1 in the Thymus and Its Effects on Thymocyte Adhesion and Migration. (28th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Xiao-Kai; Liu, Yuan-Feng; Zhou, Yu; Sun, Xiu-Yuan; Qian, Xiao-Ping; Zhang, Yu; Zhang, Jun
• Other Names: Berzins Stuart Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Clinical & developmental immunology. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-11-28
• Subjects: Developmental immunology -- Periodicals; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- immunology -- Periodicals; Immune System -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Immune System Diseases -- immunology -- Periodicals; 571.9638
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/462152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-2522

Abstract

Abstract : Netrin-1, a known axon guidance molecule, being a secreted laminin-related molecule, has been suggested to be involved in multiple physiological and pathological conditions, such as organogenesis, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and inflammation-mediated tissue injury. However, its function in thymocyte development is still unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Netrin-1 is expressed in mouse thymus tissue and is primarily expressed in thymic stromal cells, and the expression of Netrin-1 in thymocytes can be induced by anti-CD3 antibody or IL-7 treatment. Importantly, Netrin-1 mediates the adhesion of thymocytes, and this effect is comparable to or greater than that of fibronectin. Furthermore, Netrin-1 specifically promotes the chemotaxis of CXCL12. These suggest that Netrin-1 may play an important role in thymocyte development.