Kerstin Krieglstein: "The role of TGF-beta in the regulation on programmed cell death"
| Wann |
14.07.2010 von 11:15 bis 12:00 |
|---|---|
| Wo | FRIAS, Lecture Hall, Albertstr. 19, 79104 Freiburg |
| Name | Britta Küst |
| Kontakttelefon | +49 (0)761 203 97418 |
| Teilnehmer |
Open to University employees |
| Termin übernehmen |
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Kerstin Krieglstein
Molecular Embryology, University of Freiburg
The role of TGF-beta in the regulation on programmed cell death
Programmed cell death (PCD) is essential for the development of the nervous system and for its maintenance. Lack of PCD may lead to ectopic cell masses (exencephaly), while increased loss of neurons may be the basis of many neurodegenerative diseases. The regulation of PCD may either occur passively (i.e. loss of trophic support; according to the neurotrophic factor concept), or actively through extracellular signals via pro-apoptotic cell death receptors. While a significant amount of information is available on the intrinsic pathway(s) of apoptosis ranging from regulators and effectors to executioners, little is known on the induction and specification of neuron death during nervous system development.
We have shown that transforming growth factors beta (TGF-beta) may act as a key regulator in the regulation of ontogenetic/programmed neuron death, and following limb bud ablation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) induces apoptotic cell death during the development of the nervous system. TGF-beta-mediated apoptosis characterized by the production of caspase-specific cleavage of actin into Fractin and by down-regulation of Bcl-xl. We conclude that TGF-beta is a critical extrinsic regulator of PCD.
