Schwann cell development,maturation and regeneration：a focus on classic and emerging intracellular signaling pathways

• Published in: Neural regeneration research 2017-07, Vol.12 (7), p.1013-1023
• Main Authors: Castelnovo, Luca Franco, Bonalume, Veronica, Melfi, Simona, Ballabio, Marinella, Colleoni, Deborah, Magnaghi, Valerio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell division; Cell growth; Extracellular matrix; Genotype & phenotype; Growth factors; Invited Review; Kinases; Morphology; myelin; neuroactive steroids; electromagnetic field; peripheral nervous system; Phosphorylation; Proteins; Signal transduction; Transcription factors; 信号通路; 再生; 发育; 成熟; 神经活性甾体; 神经胶质细胞; 细胞内; 雪旺细胞
• ISSN: 1673-5374; 1876-7958
• DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.211172

The development,maturation and regeneration of Schwann cells（SCs）,the main glial cells of the peripheral nervous system,require the coordinate and complementary interaction among several factors,signals and intracellular pathways.These regulatory molecules consist of integrins,neuregulins,growth factors,hormones,neurotransmitters,as well as entire intracellular pathways including protein-kinase A,C,Akt,Erk/MAPK,Hippo,mTOR,etc.For instance,Hippo pathway is overall involved in proliferation,apoptosis,regeneration and organ size control,being crucial in cancer proliferation process.In SCs,Hippo is linked to merlin and YAP/TAZ signaling and it seems to respond to mechanic/physical challenges.Recently,among factors regulating SCs,also the signaling intermediates Src tyrosine kinase and focal adhesion kinase（FAK）proved relevant for SC fate,participating in the regulation of adhesion,motility,migration and in vitro myelination.In SCs,the factors Src and FAK are regulated by the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone,thus corroborating the importance of this steroid in the control of SC maturation.In this review,we illustrate some old and novel signaling pathways modulating SC biology and functions during the different developmental,mature and regenerative states