MCP-1 involvement in glial differentiation of neuroprogenitor cells through APP signaling.

Previously it has been reported that neural stem cells undergoing apoptotic stress have increased levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and increased APP expression results in glial differentiation. APP activity was also shown to be required for staurosporine-induced glial differentiation of neuroprogenitor cells. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a chemokine that is expressed early during inflammation.

MCP-1-induced migration of NT2 neuroprogenitor cells involving APP signaling.

Neuroprogenitor cells are an important resource because of their great potential to replace damaged cells in the brain caused by trauma and disease. Studies have shown that when neuroprogenitor cells are transplanted into the brain they migrate towards damaged areas, suggesting that these areas express factors that recruit migrating cells. Generally, after neuronal injury, there is a neuroinflammatory response that results in increased chemokine production.