PUBLICATION

Systemic loss of Sarm1 protects Schwann cells from chemotoxicity by delaying axon degeneration

Authors
Tian, W., Czopka, T., López-Schier, H.
ID
ZDB-PUB-200201-9
Date
2020
Source
Communications biology   3: 49 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Czopka, Tim, Lopez-Schier, Hernan
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects*
  • Armadillo Domain Proteins/deficiency*
  • Armadillo Domain Proteins/genetics
  • Axons/metabolism*
  • Axons/pathology
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Genetic Loci
  • Mutagenesis
  • Phenotype
  • Schwann Cells/drug effects*
  • Schwann Cells/metabolism*
  • Wallerian Degeneration/genetics*
  • Zebrafish
PubMed
32001778 Full text @ Commun Biol
Abstract
Protecting the nervous system from chronic effects of physical and chemical stress is a pressing clinical challenge. The obligate pro-degenerative protein Sarm1 is essential for Wallerian axon degeneration. Thus, blocking Sarm1 function is emerging as a promising neuroprotective strategy with therapeutic relevance. Yet, the conditions that will most benefit from inhibiting Sarm1 remain undefined. Here we combine genome engineering, pharmacology and high-resolution intravital videmicroscopy in zebrafish to show that genetic elimination of Sarm1 increases Schwann-cell resistance to toxicity by diverse chemotherapeutic agents after axonal injury. Synthetic degradation of Sarm1-deficient axons reversed this effect, suggesting that glioprotection is a non-autonomous effect of delayed axon degeneration. Moreover, loss of Sarm1 does not affect macrophage recruitment to nerve-wound microenvironment, injury resolution, or neural-circuit repair. These findings anticipate that interventions aimed at inhibiting Sarm1 can counter heightened glial vulnerability to chemical stressors and may be an effective strategy to reduce chronic consequences of neurotrauma.
Genes / Markers
Figures
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Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping