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Identification of a neuronal cell surface molecule, plexin, in mice
T Kameyama1, Y Murakami, F Suto
1Laboratory of Development Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Science, Japan.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|September 13, 1996
Summary
Researchers identified mouse plexin 1, a cell adhesion protein homologous to Xenopus plexin. This protein, predominantly expressed in the brain, shares structural similarities with c-Met protein.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Plexins are cell adhesion proteins originally identified in Xenopus.
- Understanding the mammalian counterparts of plexins is crucial for cell biology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize mouse homologues of Xenopus plexin.
- To investigate the structural and expression patterns of the identified mouse plexin.
Main Methods:
- Searched for mouse homologues of Xenopus plexin using cDNA.
- Performed Northern blot analysis to determine tissue expression.
Main Results:
- Obtained a cDNA encoding a plexin-like protein, named mouse plexin 1.
- Mouse plexin 1 shares 84% amino acid identity with Xenopus plexin.
- Mouse plexin 1 possesses three extracellular cysteine-rich domains homologous to c-Met protein domains.
- Northern blot analysis revealed predominant expression of mouse plexin 1 in the brain.
Conclusions:
- Mouse plexin 1 is a novel cell adhesion protein with significant homology to Xenopus plexin.
- The structural features suggest potential roles in signaling pathways involving c-Met.
- Predominant brain expression indicates a specific function in neural tissues.