Ka Young Chang

Fas ligand mRNA expression in the mouse central nervous system

Fas ligand (FasL) expressing cells delete Fas bearing T cells, thereby enabling privileged immune status in the brain. Although the presence of FasL immunoreactivity has been shown in various cell types in the central nervous system, the precise in vivo distribution of FasL mRNA in mammals is not known. Accordingly, we localized intense FasL mRNA signals in neuroglial cells mainly within the white matter regions. Using a combined labeling technique of immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization, we confirmed that FasL signals were due to neuroglial cells rather than neurons. This study shows that FasL mRNA is constitutively expressed in the normal mouse brain, and suggests that the Fas/FasL system protects the CNS from immunological damage.

Localization of transferrin binding protein in relation to iron, ferritin, and transferrin receptors in the chicken cerebellum

We have demonstrated that transferrin binding protein (TfBP), ferritin, and iron, are specifically localized in Bergmann glia, while the transferrin receptor is confined to Purkinje cells in the chicken cerebellum. The results of this study suggest that Bergmann glia have previously undescribed functions related to iron regulation such as sequestration of iron and the maintenance of iron homeostasis in the cerebellum.