Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Enrichment of Mammalian Tissues and Xenopus Oocytes with Cholesterol
Published on: March 25, 2020
Choline partially prevents the impact of ethanol on the lipid raft dependent functions of l1 cell adhesion molecule
Ningfeng Tang1, Penny Bamford, Jace Jones
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Background:
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the leading known cause of mental retardation, is caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. One mechanism of ethanol (EtOH) teratogenicity is the disruption of the functions of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1). These functions include enhancement of neurite outgrowth, trafficking through lipid rafts, and signal transduction. Recent data have shown that choline supplementation of rat pups reduces the effects of EtOH on neurobehavior. We sought to determine whether choline could prevent the effect of EtOH on L1 function using a simple experimental system.
Methods:
Cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) from postnatal day 6 rat pups were cultured with and without supplemental choline, and the effects on L1 signaling, lipid raft distribution, and neurite outgrowth were measured in the presence or absence of EtOH.
Results:
Choline significantly reduced the effect of EtOH on L1 signaling, the distribution of L1 in lipid rafts and L1-mediated neurite outgrowth. However, choline supplemented EtOH-exposed cultures remained significantly different than controls.
Conclusions:
Choline pretreatment of CGN significantly reduces the disruption of L1 function by EtOH, but does not completely return L1 function to baseline. This experimental system will enable discovery of the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of choline.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER Membrane
The major components of all eukaryotic cell...
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Mechanism of Action
Reversible inhibitors like edrophonium bind to a specific part of the enzyme called the anionic catalytic site. They form noncovalent bonds, which means they are not strongly attached to the enzyme. This creates a temporary and less stable enzyme–inhibitor complex,...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...

