CXCL12 induces migration of Schwann cells via p38 MAPK and autocrine of CXCL12 by the CXCR4 receptor.

Schwann cells (SCs) play a crucially supportive role in repair of injured peripheral nerve system (PNS). CXCL12 plays a significant role in migration of stem cells and embryonic developmental cells and CXCL12 is strongly chemotactic for a variety of cells. Our study was designed to determine the role of CXCL12 in Schwann cell proliferation and migration. Our study demonstrated that CXCL12 had no effect on Schwann cell proliferation while significantly promoting Schwann cell migration. CXCL12-induced Schwann cell migration was significantly attenuated by inhibition of its receptor CXCR4 and p38 MAPK through co-treatment with AMD3100 and SB203580, separately. Besides, Western blot, QRT-PCR, and ELISA indicated that treatment with CXCL12 enhanced expression of CXCL12 by Schwann cells. In conclusion, CXCL12-enhanced SCs migration is mediated by secreting CXCL12 and p38 MAPK via receptor CXCR4, suggesting that CXCL12 has potential application value for PNS regeneration and could serve as a new therapeutic strategy in peripheral nerve diseases. IJCEP