The role of FGF2 in stress-induced cFos expression

Abstract

During periods of stress, organisms endocrine systems respond by releasing glucocorticoids which later get expressed through corticosterone, simplified as CORT. CORT is proved to express FGF2, proteins found in critical glial cells named astrocytes. Increased FGF2 expression leads to higher rate of cell proliferation - including neurons. Theres been discoveries that newborn neurons, specifically those who have been exposed to FGF2, led to early neuron activation and enhanced neuronal function. Whats unclear is whether FGF2 played a role in somehow newborn neurons having enhanced function and activating earlier than usual (by releasing the early activation gene cFos). An experiment has been outlined in order to test the hypothesis that FGF2 does indeed play a role in altering some neurons. Using nanoparticles containing the micro RNA of NUDT6 - a gene that suppresses FGF2 expression - to target FGF2 in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats would directly test if FGF2 played a role in enhanced neuron activation.