Overexpressed cold inducible RNA-binding protein improves cell viability and EGF expression in glial cells

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cold inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) is key protein in the hypothermic therapy. Highly expressed CIRP exerts a neuroprotective effect on neurons. The aim of this study is to provide the evidence of the protective effects of CIRP on the glial cells and try to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that the cell viability of the glial cells with CIRP overexpression was increased significantly compared to the control cells. With CIRP overexpression, the EGF mRNA expression was found increasing significantly and the mRNA expression of BDNF, bcl-2, VEGF and NGF were not upregulated compared to the control. EGF and CIRP co-expression was demonstrated on the glial cells. With CIRP expression, EGF expression on the glial cells was increased statistically compared to the control.Conclusions: CIRP overexpression increases the cell viability of the glial cells, exerting a neuroprotective effect. EGF expression is activated on the glial cells with CIRP overexpression, implying a pathway of CIRP neuroprotection via EGF activation.