The differentially expressed genes are involved in a variety of processes, including nerve cell differentiation, migration, myelination and synaptic transmission.
The expression data suggest a hypothesis that these genes may have played a role in nerve cell differentiation or maintenance in the common ancestor of cnidarians and bilaterians.
This partial loss of function with age was observed in genes associated with nerve cell differentiation or cell cycle or genes related to synaptic structure (references cited in Table 4).
Previous in vitro studies have shown that PLC membranes and tube-guides are biocompatible with nerve cells and may facilitate nerve cell attachment, differentiation, and growth [ 21, 22, 26, 27].
TLR3 activation also perturbs networks of genes involved in neurogenesis (the formation of new nerve cells), the differentiation of newborn cells, and the growth of their fibres.
NO also modulates CREB (cAMP-responsive element-binding protein), ERK, AKT, and Src, with important implications for nerve cell survival and differentiation.
Pax2/5/8 genes encode transcription factors with conserved motifs, including a paired domain, homeodomain, and octapeptide, and are associated with mechanosensory development in mammals [ 42], frogs [ 43], fish [ 44, 45], flies [ 46, 47], ascidians [ 48] and in mollusks [ 49], while in a cnidarians, the apparent Pax2/5/8 homolog is associated with nerve and sensory cell differentiation [ 50, 51].
Taken together, RNF10 can be considered as a transcription factor participating in the peripheral nerve development and Schwann cell differentiation.
It is clear that MK enhanced Schwann cell proliferation in these tumours; however, MK may promote Schwann cell differentiation during peripheral nerve regeneration, as mentioned earlier.
Therefore the Schwann cell differentiation defect observed in nerves of Dicerfl/fl Dhh-Cre+ mice might reflect the failure of Dicerfl/fl Dhh-Cre+ Schwann cells to downregulate anti-myelin signaling molecules.
This set of microRNAs appears to drive Schwann cell differentiation and myelination of peripheral nerves, thereby fulfilling a crucial function for survival of the organism.
