A comparison of LEDGFp52 and CNTF on the in vitro growth of rat retinal ganglion cell neurites

Lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) can be alternatively spliced to produce two isoforms—LEDGFp52 and LEDGFp75, however, LEDGFp52 has rarely been investigated. The LEDGFp52 protein or its monoclonal antibody was added to primary rat retinal ganglion cell cultures and their impact on neurite number and length, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of GAP-43, NF-L and MAP-2 quantified. LEDGFp52 was compared to the addition of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). LEDGFp52 protein significantly increased primary neurite growth compared to control conditions. In addition, the expression of GAP-43, NF-L and MAP2 genes and proteins were also significantly up-regulated. The positive action of the LEDGFp52 protein was similar to or more efficacious than CNTF. LEDGFp52 appears to be an important regulatory protein for the growth of cell processes.