[Cadherins, the development and regeneration of the neuromuscular axis]

Various cell adhesion molecules of the cadherin family characterize the neuromuscular system. During development, cadherins N and M are sequentially expressed by myogenic cells during the two waves of myoblast fusion. Two other cadherins, called 6 and 11, are also expressed during the embryonic musculature development. In adult muscle, cadherins N and M, whose expression is suppressed by muscle activity, persist only at the neuromuscular junction and are reexpressed at the surface of denervated fibers. Cadherins N, M and E are also expressed in adult peripheral nerves. Their differential localization at Schmidt-Lanterman clefts, Ranvier nodes and neuromuscular junctions suggest that these molecules contribute to the stabilization of specialized intercellular contacts. In conclusion, a combination of cadherins, the expression of which is spatially and temporally regulated, participates in the differentiation and maintenance of the organization of the various cellular and tissular components of the neuromuscular system.