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Signal transduction events underlying neurite outgrowth stimulated by cell adhesion molecules

P Doherty1, F S Walsh

  • 1Department of Experimental Pathology, UMDS, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) paradoxically influence nervous system development by both promoting and inhibiting neuronal plasticity. Recent findings suggest CAM-stimulated axonal growth relies on calcium signaling, not just cell adhesion.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play critical roles in nervous system development.
  • CAMs can mediate both promotion and inhibition of cell migration and axonal growth.
  • The dual role of CAMs in neuronal plasticity presents a paradox.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings explaining the paradoxical functions of CAMs in neuronal plasticity.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying CAM-mediated promotion versus inhibition of neuronal events.
  • To highlight the role of intracellular signaling in CAM-induced axonal growth.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature and experimental results.
  • Analysis of studies investigating CAM function in neuronal development.
  • Focus on second messenger pathways and calcium signaling.

Main Results:

  • Individual CAMs can exhibit both promoting and inhibiting effects on neuronal plasticity.
  • Axonal growth stimulation by CAMs is linked to the activation of second messenger pathways.
  • Calcium entry into neurons is a key downstream event in CAM-stimulated axonal growth.
  • The mechanism appears to involve signaling cascades rather than adhesion alone.

Conclusions:

  • The paradoxical effects of CAMs are explained by context-dependent signaling pathways.
  • Calcium signaling is crucial for CAM-mediated promotion of axonal growth.
  • Understanding these molecular mechanisms is vital for comprehending nervous system development and plasticity.

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