Macrophage migration inhibitory factor acts as a neurotrophin in the developing inner ear

Citations Over TimeTop 17% of 2012 papers

Abstract

This study is the first to demonstrate that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), an immune system 'inflammatory' cytokine that is released by the developing otocyst, plays a role in regulating early innervation of the mouse and chick inner ear. We demonstrate that MIF is a major bioactive component of the previously uncharacterized otocyst-derived factor, which directs initial neurite outgrowth from the statoacoustic ganglion (SAG) to the developing inner ear. Recombinant MIF acts as a neurotrophin in promoting both SAG directional neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival and is expressed in both the developing and mature inner ear of chick and mouse. A MIF receptor, CD74, is found on both embryonic SAG neurons and adult mouse spiral ganglion neurons. Mif knockout mice are hearing impaired and demonstrate altered innervation to the organ of Corti, as well as fewer sensory hair cells. Furthermore, mouse embryonic stem cells become neuron-like when exposed to picomolar levels of MIF, suggesting the general importance of this cytokine in neural development.

Related Papers

• → Assessment of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in humans: protocol for accurate and reproducible levels(2013)30 cited
• → Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the intercritical phase of hereditary periodic fevers and its relationship with theMIF‐173G/C polymorphism(2007)6 cited
• → Inhibitory Effort of the N-terminal GST on the Tautomerase Activity of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor(2005)1 cited
• MIF水平及MIF-173G／C多态性与恩施地区土家族银屑病关联性研究(2015)
• → P106 Active macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a previously unrecognized isoform of MIF and a potential new biomarker for inflammatory bowel diseases(2013)