Abstract: Objective: To analyze the differentially expressed proteins of embryonic rat neural stem cells (NSCs) under folate deficiency or supplementation. Methods: Embryonic rat NSCs were cultured in serum-free suspension culture. Cells were identified by their expression of immunoreactive nestin. Individual cultures were assigned to one of 3 treatment groups that differed according to the concentration of folate in the medium: Control (baseline folate concentration of 4μg/mL), folate deficiency group (Folate-D, folate concentration of 0.6μg/mL) and folate supplementation (4μg/mL above baseline, Folate-L). Protein expressions in 3 groups were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). Results: The stable and repeatable 2-DE maps of NSCs were successfully established. Compared with Control group, 2 proteins in Folate-D group were lowly expressed, 4 proteins were highly expressed. 2 protein spots were lowly expressed and 1 protein was highly expressed in Folate-L group. Conclusion: Folate deficiency or supplement may impact NSCs protein expression. The isolation of differentially expressed proteins will be useful for exploring the mechanism of folate on proliferation and differentiation of NSCs.

Key words: folate, neural stem cells, two-dimensional, proteome