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Related Experiment Videos

Motor neurons contain agrin-like molecules.

C Magill-Solc1, U J McMahan

  • 1Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, California 94305.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|November 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Agrin-like molecules, crucial for neuromuscular junction formation, are synthesized by motor neurons. These molecules aggregate acetylcholine receptors and acetylcholinesterase at synapses during development and regeneration.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Agrin-like molecules are found in the synaptic basal lamina of neuromuscular junctions.
  • These molecules are proposed to mediate the formation and maintenance of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) aggregates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular origin and function of agrin-like molecules in neuromuscular junction formation.
  • To determine if motor neurons synthesize and release agrin-like molecules.

Main Methods:

  • Used anti-agrin monoclonal antibodies to stain motor neuron cell bodies and Golgi apparatus in embryos and adults.
  • Cultured myotubes and assessed their ability to form AChR and AChE aggregates when exposed to substances from motor neurons.

Main Results:

  • Anti-agrin antibodies selectively stained motor neuron cell bodies, with concentration in the Golgi apparatus.
  • Motor neurons contain molecules that induce AChR and AChE aggregation on cultured myotubes.
  • These aggregating molecules are antigenically similar to agrin.

Conclusions:

  • Findings support the hypothesis that agrin-like molecules are synthesized by motor neurons.
  • Released agrin-like molecules are incorporated into the synaptic basal lamina.
  • These molecules play a role in directing synapse formation during development and regeneration.

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