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Published on: March 17, 2014
Tenascin-C and its functions in neuronal plasticity
Vera Šekeljić1, Pavle R Andjus
1Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Serbia.
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|March 13, 2012
Summary
Tenascin-C (TN-C) is crucial for brain development and plasticity. Studies on TN-C deficient mice reveal its role in neuronal plasticity across brain regions, potentially by influencing calcium channels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- Tenascin-C (TN-C) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein conserved in vertebrates.
- TN-C is expressed during development, adult repair, and in tumors.
- In the central nervous system (CNS), TN-C shows specific spatial and temporal expression patterns during development and in adult neurogenic and plastic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the role of TN-C in neural development and plasticity.
- To investigate the contribution of TN-C to cell proliferation, migration, axonal guidance, and synaptic plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Studies utilizing TN-C deficient mice.
- Analysis of TN-C expression patterns in developing and adult CNS.
Main Results:
- TN-C plays a significant role in neuronal plasticity in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum.
- TN-C deficiency impacts developmental processes including cell migration and axonal guidance.
- TN-C may modulate the activity of L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels.
Conclusions:
- Tenascin-C is essential for normal neural development and synaptic plasticity.
- TN-C's function in the CNS is linked to its modulation of calcium channel activity.
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