BDNF activated TrkB/IRR receptor chimera promotes survival of sympathetic neurons through ras and PI-3 kinase signaling

Karen S. Kelly-Spratt, Laura J. Klesse, Luis F. Parada

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Insulin receptor-related receptor (IRR) expression is tightly coupled to the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor, TrkA, throughout development. Expression of both receptors is primarily localized to neural crest derived sensory and sympathetic neurons. In contrast to TrkA, however, the physiological ligand for IRR is unknown. To analyze the intracellular signaling and potential function of the orphan IRR in neurons, an adenovirus expressing a TrkB/IRR chimeric receptor was used to infect cultured mouse superior cervical ganglion neurons that normally require NGF for survival. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-activated TrkB/IRR induced neuronal survival. We utilized numerous receptor mutants in order to identify the intracellular domains of IRR necessary for signaling and neuron survival. Finally, we employed adenovirus encoding dominant negative forms of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade to demonstrate that IRR, like TrkA, requires ras activation to promote neuron survival. Therefore, by use of the chimeric TrkB/IRR receptor, we have demonstrated the ability of IRR to elicit activation of signaling cascades resulting in a biological response in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)151-159
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research
Volume69
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 15 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'BDNF activated TrkB/IRR receptor chimera promotes survival of sympathetic neurons through ras and PI-3 kinase signaling'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this