Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2012, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (8): 620-626.

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Neurofilament proteins in axonal regeneration and neurodegenerative diseases

Haitao Wang1, Minfei Wu1, Chuanjun Zhan1, Enyuan Ma2, Maoguang Yang1, Xiaoyu Yang1, Yingpu Li1   

  1. 1 Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
    2 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beihua University Affiliated Hospital, Jilin 132000, Jilin Province, China
  • Received:2011-11-29 Revised:2012-02-05 Online:2012-03-15 Published:2012-03-15
  • Contact: Xiaoyu Yang, Professor, Doctoral supervisor, Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China; Yingpu Li, Professor, Master’s supervisor, Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China yangxiaoyu88@sina.com; 63193778@qq.com
  • About author:Haitao Wang☆, Studying for doctorate, Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China

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Abstract:

Neurofilament protein is a component of the mature neuronal cytoskeleton, and it interacts with the zygosome, which is mediated by neurofilament-related proteins. Neurofilament protein regulates enzyme function and the structure of linker proteins. In addition, neurofilament gene expression plays an important role in nervous system development. Previous studies have shown that neurofilament gene transcriptional regulation is crucial for neurofilament protein expression, especially in axonal regeneration and degenerative diseases. Post-transcriptional regulation increased neurofilament protein gene transcription during axonal regeneration, ultimately resulting in a pattern of neurofilament protein expression. An expression imbalance of post-transcriptional regulatory proteins and other disorders could lead to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or other neurodegenerative diseases. These findings indicated that after transcription, neurofilament protein regulated expression of related proteins and promoted regeneration of damaged axons, suggesting that regulation disorders could lead to neurodegenerative diseases.

Key words: axonal regeneration, nerve injury, neurodegenerative diseases, neurofilament protein, post-transcriptional regulation, reviews