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Tenascin glycoproteins in developing neural tissues: only decoration?
A Faissner1, A Scholze, B Götz
1Department of Neurobiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Perspectives on Developmental Neurobiology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Tenascin glycoproteins, crucial for central nervous system (CNS) development, guide neural cell migration and neurite formation. Despite their roles in pattern formation and regeneration, tenascin gene elimination shows no obvious neural abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- Tenascin glycoproteins are extracellular matrix molecules transiently expressed by astrocytes during central nervous system (CNS) development.
- Their expression is dynamic, with discrete distributions in specific CNS regions and up-regulation following injury or in glial tumors.
- Tenascin plays roles in neural development, including guiding cell migration and neurite outgrowth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multifaceted roles of tenascin glycoproteins in CNS development, neural pattern formation, and regeneration.
- To elucidate the functional properties of tenascin, including its cell-binding, migratory, and repulsive capabilities.
- To discuss the significance of tenascin's functions in light of recent genetic studies.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies utilizing purified tenascin glycoproteins and bacterially expressed tenascin fusion proteins.
- Employing monoclonal antibodies to probe tenascin functions.
- Utilizing defined cell culture models to assess tenascin's effects on neural cells.
Main Results:
- Tenascin glycoproteins exhibit cell-binding sites for neural cells, supporting neuronal migration and neurite formation.
- Distinct domains of tenascin confer both attractive and repulsive properties, influencing neuronal assembly and fiber tract segregation.
- Tenascin's functions suggest involvement in neural pattern formation and regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Tenascin glycoproteins are key regulators of neural development, influencing cell migration, neurite outgrowth, and the organization of neural circuits.
- The molecule's dual nature, possessing both supportive and inhibitory functions, highlights its complex role in shaping the developing CNS.
- Despite observed functions, recent findings indicate that tenascin gene knockout does not result in apparent abnormalities in neural tissues, prompting further investigation.