TAM receptor deficiency affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis

Metab Brain Dis. 2015 Jun;30(3):633-44. doi: 10.1007/s11011-014-9636-y. Epub 2014 Dec 10.

Abstract

The Tyro3, Axl and Mertk (TAM) subfamily of receptor protein tyrosine kinases functions in cell growth, differentiation, survival, and most recently found, in the regulation of immune responses and phagocytosis. All three receptors and their ligands, Gas6 (growth arrest-specific gene 6) and protein S, are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). TAM receptors play pivotal roles in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Loss of these receptors causes a comprised neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of adult hippocampus. TAM receptors have a negative regulatory effect on microglia and peripheral antigen-presenting cells, and play a critical role in preventing overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines detrimental to the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of adult neuronal stem cells (NSCs). Besides, these receptors also play an intrinsic trophic function in supporting NSC survival, proliferation, and differentiation into immature neurons. All these events collectively ensure a sustained neurogenesis in adult hippocampus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Hippocampus / cytology*
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / deficiency*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases