Stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha mediates neural progenitor cell motility after focal cerebral ischemia.

In the adult rodent, stroke induces an increase in endogenous neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and neuroblasts migrate towards the ischemic boundary. We investigated the role of stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha (SDF-1alpha) in mediating NPC migration after stroke. We found that cultured NPCs harvested from the normal adult SVZ, when they were overlaid onto stroke brain slices, exhibited significantly (P<0.01) increased migration (67.2+/-25.2 microm) compared with the migration on normal brain slices (29.5+/-29.5 microm). Immunohistochemistry showed that CXCR 4, a receptor of SDF-1alpha, is expressed in the NPCs and migrating neuroblasts in stroke brain. Blocking SDF-1alpha by a neutralizing antibody against CXCR 4 significantly attenuated stroke-enhanced NPC migration. ELISA analysis revealed that SDF-1alpha levels significantly increased (P<0.01) in the stroke hemisphere (43.6+/-6.5 pg/mg) when compared with the normal brain (25.2+/-1.9 pg/mg). Blind-well chamber assays showed that SDF-1alpha enhanced NPC migration in a dose-dependent manner with maximum migration at a dose of 500 ng/mL. In addition, SDF-1alpha induced directionally selective migration. These findings show that SDF-1alpha generated in the stroke hemisphere may guide NPC migration towards the ischemic boundary via binding to its receptor CXCR 4 in the NPC. Thus, our data indicate that SDF-1alpha/CXCR 4 is important for mediating specific migration of NPCs to the site of ischemic damaged neurons.     

High-level expression of functional chemokine receptor CXCR4 on human neural precursor cells

Neural precursor cells (NPCs) are self-renewing, multipotent progenitors that give rise to neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). Fetal NPCs have attracted attention for their potential use in studying normal CNS development. Several studies of rodent neural progenitors have suggested that chemokines and their receptors are involved in directing NPC migration during CNS development. In this study, we established a consistent system to culture human NPCs and examined the expression of chemokine receptors on these cells. NPCs were found to express the markers nestin and CD133 and to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes at the clonal level. Flow cytometry and RNase protection assay (RPA) indicated that NPCs express high levels of CXCR4 and low levels of several other chemokine receptors. When examined using a chemotaxis assay, NPCs were able to respond to CXCL12/SDF-1alpha, a ligand of CXCR4. Treatment with anti-CXCR4 antibody or HIV-1 gp120 abolished the migratory response of NPCs towards CXCL12/SDF-1alpha. These findings suggest that CXCR4 may play a significant role in directing NPC migration during CNS development.     

Intracellular CXCR4 signaling, neuronal apoptosis and neuropathogenic mechanisms of HIV-1-associated dementia.

The mechanism(s) by which HIV-1 affects neural injury in HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD) remains unknown. To ascertain the role that cellular and viral macrophage products play in HAD neurotoxicity, we explored one potential route for neuronal demise, CXCR4. CXCR4, expressed on lymphocytes and neurons, is both a part of neural development and a co-receptor for HIV-1. Its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha), affects neuronal viability. GTP binding protein (G-protein) linked signaling after neuronal exposure to SDF-1alpha, virus-infected monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) secretory products, and virus was determined. In both human and rat neurons, CXCR4 was expressed at high levels. SDF-1alpha/beta was detected predominantly in astrocytes and at low levels in MDM. SDF-1beta/beta was expressed in HAD brain tissue and upregulated in astrocytes exposed to virus infected and/or immune activated MDM conditioned media (fluids). HIV-1-infected MDM secretions, virus and SDF-1beta induced a G inhibitory (Gi) protein-linked decrease in cyclic AMP (cAMP) and increase inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) and intracellular calcium. Such effects were partially blocked by antibodies to CXCR4 or removal of virus from MDM fluids. Changes in G-protein-coupled signaling correlated, but were not directly linked, to increased neuronal synaptic transmission, Caspase 3 activation and apoptosis. These data, taken together, suggest that CXCR4-mediated signal transduction may be a potential mechanism for neuronal dysfunction during HAD.     

Characterization and visualization of [125I] stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha binding to CXCR4 receptors in rat brain and human neuroblastoma cells

Stromal cell-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1alpha), binds to the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled CXCR4 receptor and modulates cell migration, differentiation, and proliferation. CXCR4 has been reported to be expressed in various tissues including brain. Moreover, CXCR4 has recently been shown to be one of the coreceptors for HIV-1 infection which could be implicated in HIV encephalitis. In the present study, the binding properties and autoradiographic distribution of [125I]SDF-1alpha binding to CXCR4 were characterized in the adult rat brain. SDF-1alpha binding and CXCR4 coupling system were also studied in human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. The binding of [125I]SDF-1alpha on rat brain sections was specific, time-dependent and reversible. The highest densities of CXCR4 were detected in the choroid plexus of the lateral and the dorsal third ventricle. Lower densities of [125I]SDF-1alpha binding sites were observed in various brain regions including cerebral cortex, anterior olfactory nuclei, hippocampal formation, thalamic nuclei, blood vessels and pituitary gland. In the choroid plexus, the IC(50) and K(d) of [125I]SDF-1alpha binding were respectively 0.6 nM and 0. 36 nM. Similar IC(50) values were obtained in other brain structures. A CXCR4 antagonist, bicyclam, competed with SDF-1alpha binding (30% inhibition at 10(-6) M). In SK-N-SH cells, [125I]SDF-1alpha bound to CXCR4 with a K(d) of 5.0 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 460 fmol/mg of protein. SDF-1alpha induced a rapid and transient intracellular calcium increase in SK-N-SH cells. These findings suggest that CXCR4 is highly expressed in some brain structures and have a regulatory role in the nervous system. The significance of this expression in the brain parenchyma and more specifically in the choroid plexus remains to be clarified in the normal as well as in the infected brain.     

Chemokine receptor CXCR4 signaling modulates the growth factor-induced cell cycle of self-renewing and multipotent neural progenitor cells

CXC chemokine receptor CXCR4 is expressed in vitro in both human and rodent adult neural progenitor cells (NPCs). It has been suggested that the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis potentially enhances the proliferation of NPCs. However, whether CXCR4 is expressed in the neural stem cells (NSCs), a subset of self-renewing and multipotent NPCs, and whether CXCR4 signaling is directly required for their proliferation are not clear. In this study, we report that CXCR4 is expressed in a subpopulation of NPCs in the early embryonic ventricular zone. In studies of a CXCR4(eGFP) bacterial artificial chromosomal (BAC) transgenic mouse line, we further isolated NPCs from E12.5 transgenic telencephalon and GFP(+) cells demonstrated self-renewal and multipotency in neurosphere assays in vitro. Consistent with these observations, we enriched GFP(+)/CXCR4(+) cells by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) with either CXCR4 antibody 12G5 or GFP. Furthermore, we observed that CXCL12 alone did not activate the self-renewal of NPCs or increase the proliferation of NPCs that are induced by bFGF/EGF. However, we found that blocking CXCR4 receptor with antagonist AMD3100 impaired the bFGF/EGF-induced expansion of GFP(+) NPCs through modulating their cell cycling. In addition, AMD3100 treatment of pregnant mice reduced the generation of neurospheres from E12.5 embryos. Our data suggest that CXCR4 is a potential cell surface marker for early embryonic NSCs and modulates growth-factor signaling.     

Complex effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha on melanin-concentrating hormone neuron excitability

Stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha (SDF-1alpha), a chemoattractant for leucocytes and neurons, and its receptor, CXCR4 are expressed in subsets of neurons of specific brain areas. In rat lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) we show, using immunocytochemistry, that CXCR4 is localized within melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)-expressing neurons, mainly involved in feeding behaviour regulation. We investigated whether SDF-1alpha may control MCH neuronal activity. Patch-clamp recordings in rat LHA slices revealed multiple effects of SDF-1alpha on the membrane potential of MCH neurons, indirect through glutamate/GABA release and direct through GIRK current activation. Moreover, SDF-1alpha at 0.1-1 nM decreased peak and discharge frequency of action potential evoked by current pulses. These effects were further confirmed in voltage-clamp experiments, SDF-1alpha depressing both potassium and sodium currents. At 10 nM, however, SDF-1alpha increased peak and discharge frequency of action potential evoked by current pulses. Using a specific CXCR4 antagonist, we demonstrated that only the depressing effect on AP discharge was mediated through CXCR4 while the opposite effect was indirect. Together, our studies reveal for the first time a direct effect of SDF-1alpha on voltage-dependent membrane currents of neurons in brain slices and suggest that this chemokine may regulate MCH neuron activity.     

Modulation of network-driven, GABA-mediated giant depolarizing potentials by SDF-1alpha in the developing hippocampus

Chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1, or CXCL12) plays an important role in brain development and functioning. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were conducted on CA3 neurons in hippocampal slices prepared from neonatal rats between postnatal days 2 and 6 to study the modulatory effects of SDF-1alpha on network-driven, gamma-aminobutyric-acid-mediated giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs), a hallmark of the developing hippocampus. We found that SDF-1alpha, the only natural ligand for chemokine CXC motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), decreased GDP firing without significant effects on neuronal passive membrane properties in neonatal hippocampal neurons. The SDF-1alpha-mediated decrease in GDP firing was blocked by T140, a CXCR4 receptor antagonist, suggesting that SDF-1alpha modulates GDP firing via CXCR4. We also showed that endogenous SDF-1 exerts a tonic inhibitory action on GDPs in the developing hippocampus. As SDF-1/CXCR4 are highly expressed in the developing brain and GDPs are involved in activity-dependent synapse formation and functioning, the inhibitory action of SDF-1alpha on GDPs may reflect a potential mechanism for chemokine regulation of neural development in early neonatal life.     

Role of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1/CCL2) in migration of neural progenitor cells toward glial tumors

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) have been investigated as potential vehicles for brain tumor therapy because they have been shown to migrate toward central nervous system gliomas and can be genetically engineered to deliver cytotoxic agents to tumors. The mechanisms that regulate migration of NPCs to tumors are not fully understood. By means of microarray analysis, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry, we found that monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1/CCL‐2) was expressed in experimental brain tumor cells in vivo and in vitro. CCR2, the receptor for MCP‐1, was expressed on C17.2 NPCs. We used a modified Boyden chamber assay and found increased migration of NPCs in vitro in response to MCP‐1. By means of an in vivo model for NPC migration, we found evidence of NPC migration toward areas of MCP‐1 infusion in rat brains. An understanding of NPC migration mechanisms may be used to enhance delivery of cytotoxic agents to brain tumor cells. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

基质细胞衍生因子-1对间质干细胞迁移的影响

目的:观察基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1)在体内外对大鼠骨髓间质干细胞(rMSCs)的趋化诱导作用,探讨SDF-1对rMSCs迁移影响的可能机制。方法:应用体外细胞迁移实验及大鼠脑梗死模型体内移植,观察SDF-1对rMSCs的迁移影响。流式细胞术与RT-PCR检测rMSCs的CXC趋化因子受体4(CXCchemokinereceptor4,CXCR4)表达。结果:在SDF-1存在时,rMSCs迁移活跃,应用抗体封闭CXCR4后,这种迁移显著减弱。体内移植的rMSCs主要聚集在脑梗死灶周围,但在封闭CXCR4后,这种聚集现象大大减弱。流式细胞术示仅小部分rMSCs表面表达CXCR4,但经TritonX-100处理后,表达CXCR4的rMSCs增加。结论:SDF-1可通过CXCR4对rMSCs起趋化作用,针对这种作用可望调控干细胞向靶组织的趋化聚集量,达到治疗目的。     

The relationship between SDF-1α/CXCR4 and neural stem cells appearing in damaged area after traumatic brain injury in rats

Abstract

Objective: The actual relationship between neural stem cells and SDF-1α/CXCR4 after brain injury has not yet been elucidated, although recent studies have speculated that stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor, CXCR4, could contribute to neural stem cells migration after brain injury. In the present study, the temporal relationship between neural stem cells (NSCs) and SDF-1α/CXCR4 around a damaged area was investigated using a rat traumatic brain injury (TBI) model.

Methods: We used molecular biology techniques and immunohistochemistry to investigate the relationship between SDF-1α/CXCR4 expression and NSCs existence around a damaged area after TBI in the rat brain.

Results: SDF-1α mRNA expression and SDF-1α protein synthesis did not increase after TBI. However, SDF-1α leaked from the injured area and diffused into the cortex 1–3 days after TBI. Subsequently, the levels of CXCR4 mRNA expression and CXCR4 protein synthesis increased significantly. Many small cells with a nestin-positive cytoplasm and fibers also showed immunopositivity for both CXCR4 and SOX-2, but not for GFAP, 3–7 days after TBI. Moreover, a proportion of the CXCR4-positive cells and fibers also showed immunostaining for neurofilaments.

Discussion: These results suggest that the leaked SDF-1α attracted CXCR4-positive NSCs as well as elongated nerve fibers. It is considered that the SDF-1α/CXCR4 system in the brain contributes to neural stem cells appearance and maturation after TBI. Therefore, exploitation of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 system around a damaged area may improve the brain dysfunction after TBI.     

The HIV-1 coat protein gp120 regulates CXCR4-mediated signaling in neural progenitor cells

We demonstrate that hCD4-primed gp120IIIB interacts with CXCR4 receptors expressed by postnatal mouse neural progenitor cells and elicits robust Ca²⁺ signals. The chemokine SDF-1 acted as a chemoattractant and a mitogenic stimulus for these neural progenitor cells. Although hCD4/gp120 was not able to produce chemoattraction or increase proliferaton, it completely blocked the ability of SDF-1 to produce these effects. Thus, gp120 can act both as an agonist and de facto antagonist of CXCR4-mediated signaling in neural progenitor cells. It is possible that the ability of hCD4/gp120 to block SDF-1 signaling in neural progenitors may contribute to the neuropathological effects of HIV-1.     

趋化因子SDF-1体外趋化骨髓基质细胞迁移的实验研究

目的探讨趋化因子SDF-1在体外对骨髓基质细胞的迁移作用。方法采用全骨髓法培养成年Wistar大鼠骨髓基质细胞。取第五代骨髓基质细胞行免疫荧光鉴定；后通过细胞免疫荧光及RT-PCR的方法检测骨髓基质细胞表达趋化因子受体CXCR4的情况．利用Boyden小室法探讨趋化因子SDF-1对骨髓基质细胞的体外趋化作用及其特异性。结果第五代骨髓基质细胞都表达间充质干细胞标记物Vimentin、Laminin及Fibronectin；细胞免疫荧光及RT-PCR结果证实骨髓基质细胞表达趋化因子受体CXCR4；趋化因子SDF-1（5、50、500ng／mL）体外可趋化骨髓基质细胞迁移，抗SDF-1多克隆抗体可对抗其趋化迁移作用。结论SDF-1／CXCR4通路参与骨髓基质细胞体外迁移，为进一步研究骨髓基质细胞的迁移机制提供了理论依据。     

Stromal-derived factor 1 signalling regulates radial and tangential migration in the developing cerebral cortex

Stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), a known chemoattractant, and its receptor CXCR4 are widely expressed in the developing and adult cerebral cortex. Recent studies have highlighted potential roles for SDF-1 during early cortical development. In view of the current findings, our histological analysis has revealed a distinct pattern of SDF-1 expression in the developing cerebral cortex at a time when cell proliferation and migration are at peak. To determine the role of chemokine signalling during early cortical development, embryonic rat brain slices were exposed to a medium containing secreted SDF-1 to perturb the endogenous levels of chemokine. Alternatively, brain slices were treated with 40 muM of T140 or AMD3100, known antagonists of CXCR4. Using these experimental approaches, we demonstrate that chemokine signalling is imperative for the maintenance of the early cortical plate. In addition, we provide evidence that both neurogenesis and radial migration are concomitantly regulated by this signalling system. Conversely, interneurons, although not dependent on SDF-1 signalling to transgress the telencephalic boundary, require the chemokine to maintain their tangential migration. Collectively, our results demonstrate that SDF-1 with its distinct pattern of expression is essential and uniquely positioned to regulate key developmental events that underlie the formation of the cerebral cortex.     

The presumed atypical chemokine receptor CXCR7 signals through G(i/o) proteins in primary rodent astrocytes and human glioma cells

SDF-1/CXCL12 binds to the chemokine receptors, CXCR4 and CXCR7, and controls cell proliferation and migration during development, tumorigenesis, and inflammatory processes. It is currently assumed that CXCR7 would represent an atypical or scavenger chemokine receptor which modulates the function of CXCR4. Contrasting this view, we demonstrated recently that CXCR7 actively mediates SDF-1 signaling in primary astrocytes. Here, we provide evidence that CXCR7 affects astrocytic cell signaling and function through pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i/o) proteins. SDF-1-dependent activation of G(i/o) proteins and subsequent increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration persisted in primary rodent astrocytes with depleted expression of CXCR4, but were abolished in astrocytes with depleted expression of CXCR7. Moreover, CXCR7-mediated effects of SDF-1 on Erk and Akt signaling as well as on astrocytic proliferation and migration were all sensitive to pertussis toxin. Likewise, pertussis toxin abolished SDF-1-induced activation of Erk and Akt in CXCR7-only expressing human glioma cell lines. Finally, consistent with a ligand-biased function of CXCR7 in astrocytes, the alternate CXCR7 ligand, I-TAC/CXCL11, activated Erk and Akt through β-arrestin. The demonstration that SDF-1-bound CXCR7 activates G(i/o) proteins in astrocytes could help to explain some discrepancies previously observed for the function of CXCR4 and CXCR7 in other cell types.     

Expression of beta-chemokines and chemokine receptors in human fetal astrocyte and microglial co-cultures: potential role of chemokines in the developing CNS.

Chemokines play specific roles in directing the recruitment of leukocyte subsets into inflammatory foci within the central nervous system (CNS). The involvement of these cytokines as mediators of inflammation is widely accepted. Recently, it has become evident that cells of the CNS (astrocytes, microglia, and neurons) not only synthesize, but also respond functionally or chemotactically to chemokines. We previously reported developmental events associated with colonization of the human fetal CNS by mononuclear phagocytes (microglial precursors), which essentially takes place within the first two trimesters of life. As part of the array of signals driving colonization, we noted specific anatomical distribution of chemokines and chemokine receptors expressed during this period. In order to further characterize expression of these molecules, we have isolated and cultured material from human fetal CNS. We demonstrate that unstimulated subconfluent human fetal glial cultures express high levels of CCR2 and CXCR4 receptors in cytoplasmic vesicles. Type I astrocytes, and associated ameboid microglia in particular, express high levels of surface and cytoplasmic CXCR4. Of the chemokines tested (MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, MCP-1, MCP-3, RANTES, SDF-1, IL-8, IP-10), only MIP-1alpha, detected specifically on microglia, was expressed both constitutively and consistently. Low variable levels of MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, and RANTES were also noted in unstimulated glial cultures. Recombinant human chemokines rhMCP-1 and rhMIP-1alpha also displayed proliferative effects on glial cultures at [10 ng/ml], but displayed variable effects on CCR2 levels on these cells. rhMCP-1 specifically upregulated CCR2 expression on cultured glia at [50 ng/ml]. It is gradually becoming evident that chemokines are important in embryonic development. The observation that human fetal glial cells and their progenitors express specific receptors for chemokines and can be stimulated to produce MCP-1, as well as proliferate in response to chemokines, supports a role for these cytokines as regulatory factors during development.     

HIV-1-infected and/or immune activated macrophages regulate astrocyte SDF-1 production through IL-1beta

Stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1alpha) and its receptor CXCR4 play important roles in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1)-associated dementia (HAD) by serving as a HIV-1 co-receptor and affecting cell migration, virus-mediated neurotoxicity, and neurodegeneration. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating SDF-1 production during disease are not completely understood. In this report we investigated the role of HIV-1 infected and immune competent macrophage, the principal target cell and mediator of neuronal injury and death in HAD, in regulating SDF-1 production by astrocytes. Our data demonstrated that astrocytes are the primary cell type expressing SDF-1 in the brain. Immune-activated or HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived-macrophage (MDM) conditioned media (MCM) induced a substantial increase in SDF-1 production by human astrocytes. This SDF-1 production was directly dependent on MDM IL-1beta following both viral and immune activation. The MCM-induced production of SDF-1 was prevented by IL-1beta receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and IL-1beta siRNA treatment of human MDM. These laboratory observations were confirmed in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with HIV-1 encephalitis (HIVE). In these HIVE mice, reactive astrocytes showed a significant increase in SDF-1 expression, as observed by immunocytochemical staining. Similarly, SDF-1 mRNA levels were increased in the encephalitic region as measured by real time RT-PCR, and correlated with IL-1beta mRNA expression. These observations provide direct evidence that IL-1beta, produced from HIV-1-infected and/or immune competent macrophage, induces production of SDF-1 by astrocytes, and as such contribute to ongoing SDF-1 mediated CNS regulation during HAD.     

基质细胞衍生因子-1诱导神经干细胞靶向性迁移的实验研究

目的 观察基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1)对神经干细胞(NSCs)迁移的影响.方法 由胚胎大鼠脑组织获取NSCs并进行传代培养和分化鉴定,使用流式细胞术检测NSCs纯度及SDF-1特异性受体CXCR4的表达情况,之后利用Blind-Well小室体外迁移体系观察不同浓度的SDF-1(0 ng/L、1 ng/mL、10 ng/mL、50 ng/mL、100 ng/mL、500 ng/mL和1000 ng/mL)对NSCs迁移数量的影响,并使用μ-载片观察SDF-1对NSCs迁移距离的影响.结果成功分离培养得到了能够在体外不断分裂增殖、具有多向分化潜能的NSCs,连续传3代后绝大部分细胞nestin表达阳性,nestin和CXCR4的共表达率达到80%左右.细胞趋化实验结果表明,SDF-1对NSCs有较强的趋化作用,随着SDF-1浓度的升高,发生迁移的细胞数量也随之增加,并于SDF-1浓度为500ng/mL时达到最高峰[(256.79±38.27)个细胞/每高倍视野].在μ-载片细胞生长通道两侧的SDF-1浓度梯度(500ng/mL→0ng/mL)作用下,由细胞克隆球迁出的细胞呈不对称分布,通常有更多的迁出细胞分布于趋化因子浓度较高的一侧,且该侧细胞的最大迁移距离也比对侧远.结论 SDF-1与其特异性受体CXCR4相巨作用能够诱导NSCs发生靶向性迁移.     

Regulation of cell cycle proteins by chemokine receptors: A novel pathway in human immunodeficiency virus neuropathogenesis?

In order to test the hypothesis that alteration of cell cycle proteins are involved in the neuronal damage caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the authors have been studying the effect of chemokines on the CDK/Rb/E2F-1 pathway--which is involved in neuronal apoptosis and differentiation. First, they have asked whether CXCR4, the specific receptor for the chemokine SDF-1 and X4-using gp120s, can regulate Rb and E2F-1 activity in cultures of differentiated rat neurons. Although CCR3 and CCR5 are known to mediate infection of microglia by HIV-1, recent evidence indicate that CXCR4 also play important roles in HIV-induced neuronal injury, and dual-tropic isolates that use CXCR4 to infect macrophages have recently been reported. The authors have focused on two specific brain areas in which CXCR4 is physiologically relevant, i.e., the cerebellum and the hippocampus. So far, the data indicate that changes in the nuclear and cytosolic levels of Rb, which result in the functional loss of this protein, are associated with apoptosis in these neurons, and that SDF-1alpha and gp120IIIB affect this pathway. A summary of the findings are presented.