Regulation of the neural niche by the soluble molecule Akhirin

Abstract

Though the adult central nervous system has been considered a comparatively static tissue with little turnover, it is well established today that new neural cells are generated throughout life. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/ PCs) can self-renew and generate all types of neural cells. The proliferation of NS/PCs, and differentiation and fate determination of PCs are regulated by extrinsic factors such as growth factors, neurotrophins, and morphogens. Although several extrinsic factors that influence neurogenesis have already been reported, little is known about the role of soluble molecules in neural niche regulation. In this review, we will introduce the soluble molecule Akhirin and discuss its role in the eye and spinal cord during development.

Tsukushi is essential for proper maintenance and terminal differentiation of mouse hippocampal neural stem cells

“…Since TSK shows direct interaction with Wnt, BMP and Notch, it is necessary to consider a holistic approach while searching for the exact mechanism of TSK function (Ahmad et al, ). Recently, our group found a regulatory role of Akhirin (AKH), a von Willebrand factor A superfamily protein, for the proliferation and differentiation of the NSCs originating from both SVZ and DG—the two neurogenic niches of mouse brain (Abdulhaleem et al, ; Acharjee, Abdulhaleem, Riyadh, & Ohta, ; Ahsan, Ohta, Kuriyama, & Tanaka, ; Anam et al, ). Both TSK and AKH are secretory proteins and their expression at hippocampal regions during early postnatal stages closely resemble each other.…”

Akhirin regulates the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells/progenitor cells at neurogenic niches in mouse brain

“…AKH has a high homology with mouse vitrin and chicken cochlin, and shows heterophilic cell adhesion property. Later we found its role on NSC proliferation and differentiation in the development as well as its maintenance role in the injury condition of mouse spinal cord (Abdulhaleem et al, ; Acharjee et al, ). Now we report that AKH acts as a pivotal factor in the regulation of NSC/NPC during the SVZ and the hippocampal neurogenesis.…”

“…Previously, we identified Akhirin (AKH) as a novel soluble molecule expressed persistently in the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) and in the lens epithelium of the developing embryonic chicken eye (Acharjee, Felemban, Riyadh, & Ohta, 2016;Ahsan, Ohta, Kuriyama, & Tanaka, 2005). AKH has a high homology with mouse vitrin and chicken cochlin, and shows heterophilic cell adhesion property.…”

Preface to the special issue, ‘Embryonic and adult neurogenesis in vertebrate’

“…In the paper of Acharjee et al . (), regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation by AKH is discussed. In the CNS, pericytes form neurovascular unit together with endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons, functions as a functional unit (neurovascular unit) where.…”

“…Moreover, Akihirin, a soluble molecule, is expressed in the ciliary marginal zone of the eye and around the central canal of the spinal cord, where adult neurogenesis has been also detected. In the paper of Acharjee et al (2016), regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation by AKH is discussed. In the CNS, pericytes form neurovascular unit together with endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons, functions as a functional unit (neurovascular unit) where.…”