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N-cadherin and N-CAM-mediated adhesion in development and regeneration of skeletal muscle
C Cifuentes-Diaz1, M Nicolet, D Goudou
1INSERM U. 153, Paris, France.
Abstract:
In this review, the experimental evidence supporting the fact that the cell adhesion molecules N-CAM and N-cadherin are involved in myogenesis has been surveyed. In order to give access to the function of these molecules, a strategy of in vivo localization and in vitro perturbation of their adhesive function by interfering antibodies and peptides was applied. Both molecules are expressed at the surface of myogenic cells during myogenesis in vivo and in vitro. The blockade of the N-CAM adhesion function leads to a mild reduction of the rate of myoblast fusion, while the inhibition of the N-cadherin function induces a drastic inhibition of fusion suggesting that N-cadherin-mediated adhesion is a critical step in the process of myoblast fusion. Both molecules are re-expressed during muscle regeneration suggesting that adult myogenesis is under the control of the same adhesive systems as embryonic and foetal myogenesis.
Insights
Cell adhesion molecules neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) and N-cadherin are crucial for myogenesis. N-cadherin plays a critical role in myoblast fusion during muscle development and regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Muscle Regeneration
Background:
- Cell adhesion molecules mediate cell-cell interactions.
- Neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) and N-cadherin are implicated in various developmental processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental evidence on the roles of N-CAM and N-cadherin in myogenesis.
- To investigate the function of these molecules in muscle cell fusion.
Main Methods:
- Surveying experimental data on N-CAM and N-cadherin in myogenesis.
- In vivo localization studies.
- In vitro perturbation of adhesive function using antibodies and peptides.
Main Results:
- Both N-CAM and N-cadherin are expressed on myogenic cells during myogenesis.
- Blocking N-CAM function mildly reduced myoblast fusion rate.
- Inhibiting N-cadherin function drastically inhibited myoblast fusion.
Conclusions:
- N-cadherin-mediated adhesion is critical for myoblast fusion.
- N-CAM and N-cadherin are re-expressed during muscle regeneration, indicating conserved roles in adult myogenesis.