Fig. 3. miR-129/IGF-1 axis regulates neurite outgrowth from DRG neurons.
a Co-localization of IGF-1 and NF-200 in DRG neurons. b Neurons treated with IGF-1 (25 ng/ml) for 48 h showed increased neurite outgrowth while IGF-1-neutralizing antibody reduced the effect. Scale bar: 20 μm. The longest neurite outgrowth from DRG neurons was observed and compared with control. The expression change of IGF-1 at mRNA (c) and protein levels (d) in DRG neurons transfected with miR-129 mimic (miR-129) and miR-129 inhibitor (anti-miR-129). β-actin was used as an internal control. e Transfection of miR-129 mimic or inhibitor in DRG neurons, respectively. f A prior lesion of the sciatic nerve promoted axon regeneration in intact DRG neurons, meanwhile the IGF-1 treatment enhanced the axon regrowth. The regrowth effect was abolished in miR-129 mimic transfected DRG neurons. Scale bar: 20 μm, *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01 versus respective controls. NC (mimic control), anti-NC (inhibitor control)