Neurturin is a PGC-1 alpha 1-controlled myokine that promotes motor neuron recruitment and neuromuscular junction formation

Objective: We examined whether skeletal muscle overexpression of PGC-1 alpha 1 or PGC-1 alpha 4 affected myokine secretion and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation. Methods: A microfluidic device was used to model endocrine signaling and NMJ formation between primary mouse myoblast-derived myotubes and embryonic stem cell-derived motor neurons. Differences in hydrostatic pressure allowed for fluidic isolation of either cell type or unidirectional signaling in the fluid phase. Myotubes were transduced to overexpress PGC-1 alpha 1 or PGC-1 alpha 4, and myokine secretion was quantified using a proximity extension assay. Morphological and functional changes in NMJs were measured by fluorescent microscopy and by monitoring muscle contraction upon motor neuron stimulation. Results: Skeletal muscle transduction with PGC-1 alpha 1, but not PGC-1 alpha 4, increased NMJ formation and size. PGC-1 alpha 1 increased muscle secretion of neurturin, which was sufficient and necessary for the effects of muscle PGC-1 alpha 1 on NMJ formation. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that neurturin is a mediator of PGC-1 alpha 1-dependent retrograde signaling from muscle to motor neurons. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.