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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
09:46
Analyzing Murine Schwann Cell Development Along Growing Axons
Published on: November 21, 2012
Cell signalling and CAM-mediated neurite outgrowth
F S Walsh1, K Meiri, P Doherty
1Department of Experimental Pathology, UMDS, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Society of General Physiologists Series
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Soluble cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) stimulate nerve growth by activating FGF receptors. These molecules may offer new therapies for nerve regeneration by linking cell surfaces to the cytoskeleton.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) like NCAM, N-cadherin, and L1 glycoprotein are crucial for nerve growth.
- Nerve growth stimulation by CAMs relies on activating second messenger cascades, not just adhesion.
- Homophilic binding of CAMs activates neuronal FGF receptors, leading to neurite outgrowth via PLC gamma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if soluble CAMs can stimulate neurite outgrowth.
- To develop soluble CAMs as potential therapeutic agents for nerve regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Created soluble chimeric molecules fusing extracellular domains of NCAM or L1 to human IgG Fc region.
- Cultured rat and mouse cerebellar granule cells on various substrates.
- Utilized dominant-negative FGF receptors to ablate FGF receptor function in neurons.
- Analyzed phosphorylation of GAP-43 protein in isolated growth cone preparations.
Main Results:
- Soluble CAMs stimulated neurite outgrowth in cultured cerebellar granule cells.
- This stimulation was mediated by activating the FGF receptor signal transduction cascade.
- Neurons with ablated FGF receptor function did not respond to soluble CAMs.
- Soluble CAMs enhanced GAP-43 protein phosphorylation in growth cones.
Conclusions:
- Soluble CAMs can effectively stimulate neurite outgrowth.
- The mechanism involves FGF receptor activation and downstream signaling pathways.
- Soluble CAMs represent a promising strategy for promoting nerve regeneration and repair.
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