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Updated: May 9, 2026
04:47
Measuring Transcellular Interactions through Protein Aggregation in a Heterologous Cell System
Published on: May 22, 2020
Thy-1-interacting molecules and cellular signaling in cis and trans
Rodrigo Herrera-Molina1, Alejandra Valdivia, Milene Kong
1Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.
International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Thy-1 (Thyl-1) protein interactions were clarified with the identification of αVβ3 integrin as its ligand and receptor. This breakthrough enables bidirectional astrocyte-to-neuron communication, advancing understanding of this enigmatic molecule.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Thy-1 (Thyl-1) is a cell surface glycoprotein with poorly understood functions for decades.
- Identification of its ligand was a major hurdle in elucidating Thy-1's biological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties, expression, and interactions of Thy-1.
- To discuss Thy-1 signaling mechanisms and their cellular consequences.
- To highlight recent advances and remaining questions in Thy-1 biology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Thy-1 research.
- Analysis of cis and trans interactions involving Thy-1.
- Discussion of signaling pathways activated by Thy-1.
Main Results:
- αVβ3 integrin identified as a receptor for Thy-1 in astrocytes.
- αVβ3 integrin also functions as a ligand for neuronal Thy-1, mediating cis signaling.
- Bidirectional astrocyte-to-neuron communication established via Thy-1/αVβ3 integrin interactions.
Conclusions:
- The identification of αVβ3 integrin as both ligand and receptor for Thy-1 resolves key questions.
- Thy-1's role in intercellular communication is now better understood.
- Further research is needed to fully unravel the complexities of Thy-1 biology.
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