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Single-cell Microinjection for Cell Communication Analysis
Published on: February 26, 2017
Cdon and Boc: Two transmembrane proteins implicated in cell-cell communication
Luisa Sanchez-Arrones1, Marcos Cardozo, Francisco Nieto-Lopez
1Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras, c/ Nicolas Cabrera, 1, Madrid 28049, Spain.
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|February 14, 2012
Summary
CDON and BOC proteins are crucial cell adhesion molecules involved in Hedgehog signaling. Mutations in CDON are linked to holoprosencephaly, highlighting their importance in development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Adhesion
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CDON and BOC are conserved transmembrane glycoproteins in the Immunoglobulin superfamily.
- Initially identified as cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) linking cadherin and MAPK signaling in myoblast differentiation.
- They function as essential receptors for Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of CDON and BOC in developmental processes.
- To understand their function as Hedgehog receptors and their involvement in signaling complexes.
- To investigate their role in axon guidance and congenital anomalies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of evolutionary conserved transmembrane glycoproteins.
- Investigation of their association with Hh ligands and other receptor components (Ptch, Gas1).
- Study of homo- and heteromeric complex formation.
- Examination of functional redundancy and context-specific roles.
Main Results:
- CDON/BOC and Ihog/Boi exhibit redundant functions in certain contexts.
- BOC mediates Hh-dependent axon guidance in specific neuronal populations.
- Mutations in CDON are associated with holoprosencephaly, a congenital anomaly with forebrain defects linked to diminished Hh pathway activity.
Conclusions:
- CDON and BOC are critical regulators of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.
- These proteins play multifaceted roles in cell adhesion, development, and disease.
- Understanding their function is vital for comprehending developmental disorders.
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