A study on the regulation of the neurotrophic properties of Schwann cells by the protease-activated receptor-1

Schwann cells (SCs) are the most abundant glial cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) where they play many different and fundamental roles. After nerve injury these cells dedifferentiate forming unique columnar structures called Bands of Bunger along which regenerating axons grow. During the regeneration of the axon these cells downregulate myelin proteins creating a permissive environment for axonal regrowth and releasing neurotrophic factor which favour nerve regeneration. PAR1 is a prototypic member of a family of four G-protein coupled receptors that are activated by the proteolytic cleavage of their N-terminal domains. PAR1, as well as the other PARs, is an ubiquitarians receptor cut and activated mainly by thrombin. In the present work we investigated if the activation of PAR1 in SCs could affect the neurotrophic properties of these cells. To do that, we stimulated SCs cultures with a selective peptide agonist for PAR1 (PAR1 AP) and different doses of thrombin to activate the receptor. Our results suggest that the stimulation of PAR1 could potentiate the SCs ability to favour nerve regeneration.