The neurotransmitter GABA is a potent inhibitor of the stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha induced migration of adult CD133+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Stem Cells Dev. 2007 Oct;16(5):827-36. doi: 10.1089/scd.2007.0004.

Abstract

The ability of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to migrate is a prerequisite for bone marrow homing and tissue regeneration processes. Induction of HSPC migration is chiefly directed by stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha). Considerably less is known about factors that terminate HSPC migration. Adult CD133(+) HSPCs were isolated from mobilized peripheral blood by immunomagnetic separation. Cell migration was assessed using the three-dimensional collagen matrix migration assay, which allows detailed migration analysis on a cell population and single-cell level. The SDF-1alpha-induced locomotory activity of CD133(+) cells was efficiently blocked by the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA signaling was effected via the GABA(B)-receptor. This was verified by flow cytometry and cell migration studies using the specific GABA(A)-receptor and GABA(B)-receptor agonists isoguvacine and baclofen, respectively. Baclofen blocked SDF-1alpha-induced migration of CD133(+) cells. Flow cytometry-based calcium measurements revealed that GABA inhibits the SDF-1alpha-induced migration of CD133(+) cells by blocking the SDF-1alpha-induced calcium influx. Similar results were obtained with the specific calcium-release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel inhibitor BTP-2, which both blocked the SDF-1alpha-induced calcium influx and migration of CD133(+) cells. These results suggest that GABA(B)-receptor signaling modulates the activity of CRAC channels, whereby the mechanism in detail remains unclear. In summary, the neurotransmitter GABA is a potent blocker of the SDF-1alpha-induced migration of CD133(+) HSPCs from mobilized peripheral blood.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AC133 Antigen
  • Adult Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Adult Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Cell Movement / drug effects*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemokine CXCL12 / pharmacology*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Receptors, GABA-B / metabolism
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology*

Substances

  • AC133 Antigen
  • Antigens, CD
  • Calcium Channels
  • Chemokine CXCL12
  • Glycoproteins
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • PROM1 protein, human
  • Peptides
  • Receptors, GABA-B
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Calcium