Neuro-Signals
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While the role of cytokines in causing pro- and anti-inflammatory cascades in the brain and that of chemokines in promoting chemotaxis is well recognized, the immunomodulatory actions of neurotrophins released during brain injury remains largely undetermined. This knowledge gap affects basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), which in the brain is mainly produced by astrocytes and characteristically upregulated in reactive astrocytes. The goal of this study was to characterize the inflammatory actions of FGF2 in astrocytes using primary cultures. ⋯ FGF2 also caused accelerated wound closure dependent on CCL2, COX2, ERK, JNK and FAK in a scratch assay. We conclude that the signaling network triggered by FGF2 in astrocytes converged into accelerating directed motion. It follows that astrocyte migration to injury sites may be a key factor in the repair mechanisms orchestrated by FGF2.