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  • Cdk5 regulates differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells through the direct phosphorylation of paxillin.

Cdk5 regulates differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells through the direct phosphorylation of paxillin.

Journal of cell science (2007-11-29)
Yuki Miyamoto, Junji Yamauchi, Jonah R Chan, Atsumasa Okada, Yasuhiro Tomooka, Shin-ichi Hisanaga, Akito Tanoue
ABSTRACT

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) differentiate into oligodendrocytes (OLs) in order to form myelin, which is required for the rapid propagation of action potentials in the vertebrate nervous system. In spite of the considerable clinical importance of myelination, little is known about the basic molecular mechanisms underlying OL differentiation and myelination. Here, we show that cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 5 is activated following the induction of differentiation, and that the Cdk5 inhibitor roscovitine inhibits OL differentiation. The complexity of the OL processes is also diminished after knocking down endogenous Cdk5 using RNAi. We also show that the focal adhesion protein paxillin is directly phosphorylated at Ser244 by Cdk5. Transfection of a paxillin construct harboring a Ser244 to Ala mutation dramatically inhibits its morphological effects. Importantly, phosphorylation of paxillin at Ser244 reduces its interaction with focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Taken together, these results suggest that phosphorylation of paxillin by Cdk5 is a key mechanism in OL differentiation and may ultimately regulate myelination.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-MBP Antibody, clone SKB3, clone SKB3, Upstate®, from mouse
Sigma-Aldrich
Monoclonal ANTI-FLAG® M2 antibody produced in mouse, clone M2, purified immunoglobulin (Purified IgG1 subclass), buffered aqueous solution (10 mM sodium phosphate, 150 mM NaCl, pH 7.4, containing 0.02% sodium azide)
Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-FAK Antibody, clone 4.47, clone 4.47, Upstate®, from mouse