Related Experiment Videos
Concanavalin A: a tool to investigate neuronal plasticity
1Dept of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
Trends in Neurosciences
|July 1, 1991
Summary
The plant lectin concanavalin A (Con A) influences neuronal plasticity by affecting neurite outgrowth, neurotransmitter responses, and synaptic connections. This highlights lectins as tools for studying glycosylated receptors and neuronal function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neuronal plasticity allows neurons to adapt to environmental changes.
- Glycosylated receptors on neuronal surfaces bind ligands like neurotransmitters.
- Lectins, proteins binding polysaccharides, interact with these glycosylated receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review neuronal plasticity changes induced by the plant lectin concanavalin A (Con A).
- To explore the utility of lectins in studying glycosylated membrane receptors.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on concanavalin A and neuronal plasticity.
- Analysis of lectin-binding properties to glycosylated receptors.
Main Results:
- Concanavalin A (Con A) enhances neurite outgrowth.
- Con A modulates neuronal responses to neurotransmitters.
- Con A alters the specificity and strength of synaptic connections.
Conclusions:
- Plant lectins like Con A can induce various forms of neuronal plasticity.
- Lectins are valuable tools for investigating glycosylated receptors and their roles in neuronal function.