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Mouihate A, Kalakh S. Breastfeeding promotes oligodendrocyte precursor cells division and myelination in the demyelinated corpus callosum. Brain Res 2023; 1821:148584. [PMID: 37717888 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Demyelination alters the conduction of neuronal signals and hampers sensory-motor functions. Experimental and clinical evidence suggest that breastfeeding exerts a promyelinating impact on the maternal brain. The mechanism underlying this neuroprotective effect is not well-understood. In the present paper, we assessed the impact of rat lactation on lysolecithin-induced demyelination injury within the corpus callosum of lactating and non-lactating postpartum rats. We show that lactation enhanced the cell density of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), but not that of activated microglia and astrocytes, within the demyelination lesion. Lactation also increased the expression of myelin markers involved in the initial stage of myelin recovery (Myelin-associated glycoprotein and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase) and reduced the demyelination injury. Altogether, these data suggest that lactation creates a conducive promyelinating environment through increased OPCs cell division, enhanced expression of select myelin proteins, and reduced number of non-myelinated axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Samah Kalakh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
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Chambel SS, Cruz CD. Axonal growth inhibitors and their receptors in spinal cord injury: from biology to clinical translation. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2573-2581. [PMID: 37449592 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal growth inhibitors are released during traumatic injuries to the adult mammalian central nervous system, including after spinal cord injury. These molecules accumulate at the injury site and form a highly inhibitory environment for axonal regeneration. Among these inhibitory molecules, myelin-associated inhibitors, including neurite outgrowth inhibitor A, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, myelin-associated glycoprotein, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A are of particular importance. Due to their inhibitory nature, they represent exciting molecular targets to study axonal inhibition and regeneration after central injuries. These molecules are mainly produced by neurons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes within the scar and in its immediate vicinity. They exert their effects by binding to specific receptors, localized in the membranes of neurons. Receptors for these inhibitory cues include Nogo receptor 1, leucine-rich repeat, and Ig domain containing 1 and p75 neurotrophin receptor/tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 19 (that form a receptor complex that binds all myelin-associated inhibitors), and also paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and repulsive guidance molecule A bind to Nogo receptor 1, Nogo receptor 3, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase σ and leucocyte common antigen related phosphatase, and neogenin, respectively. Once activated, these receptors initiate downstream signaling pathways, the most common amongst them being the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. These signaling cascades result in actin depolymerization, neurite outgrowth inhibition, and failure to regenerate after spinal cord injury. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments to overcome spinal cord injuries other than physical rehabilitation and management of the array of symptoms brought on by spinal cord injuries. However, several novel therapies aiming to modulate these inhibitory proteins and/or their receptors are under investigation in ongoing clinical trials. Investigation has also been demonstrating that combinatorial therapies of growth inhibitors with other therapies, such as growth factors or stem-cell therapies, produce stronger results and their potential application in the clinics opens new venues in spinal cord injury treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Sousa Chambel
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of Porto; Translational NeuroUrology, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde-i3S and IBMC, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Célia Duarte Cruz
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of Porto; Translational NeuroUrology, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde-i3S and IBMC, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Raasakka A, Kursula P. Flexible Players within the Sheaths: The Intrinsically Disordered Proteins of Myelin in Health and Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020470. [PMID: 32085570 PMCID: PMC7072810 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelin ensheathes selected axonal segments within the nervous system, resulting primarily in nerve impulse acceleration, as well as mechanical and trophic support for neurons. In the central and peripheral nervous systems, various proteins that contribute to the formation and stability of myelin are present, which also harbor pathophysiological roles in myelin disease. Many myelin proteins have common attributes, including small size, hydrophobic segments, multifunctionality, longevity, and regions of intrinsic disorder. With recent advances in protein biophysical characterization and bioinformatics, it has become evident that intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are abundant in myelin, and their flexible nature enables multifunctionality. Here, we review known myelin IDPs, their conservation, molecular characteristics and functions, and their disease relevance, along with open questions and speculations. We place emphasis on classifying the molecular details of IDPs in myelin, and we correlate these with their various functions, including susceptibility to post-translational modifications, function in protein–protein and protein–membrane interactions, as well as their role as extended entropic chains. We discuss how myelin pathology can relate to IDPs and which molecular factors are potentially involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Raasakka
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, NO-5009 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Petri Kursula
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, NO-5009 Bergen, Norway;
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine & Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Aapistie 7A, FI-90220 Oulu, Finland
- Correspondence:
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Mouihate A, Kalakh S. Ganaxolone enhances microglial clearance activity and promotes remyelination in focal demyelination in the corpus callosum of ovariectomized rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2019; 26:240-250. [PMID: 31332963 PMCID: PMC6978248 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Experimental studies have shown that the progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone, is endowed with promyelinating effects. The mechanisms underlying these promyelinating effects are not well understood. Therefore, we explored the impact of allopregnanolone's synthetic analogue, ganaxolone, on remyelination and microglial activation following focal demyelination in the corpus callosum of ovariectomized rats. Methods Ovariectomized adult Sprague Dawley rats received a stereotaxic injection of 2 µL of 1% lysolecithin solution in the corpus callosum followed by daily injections of either ganaxolone (intraperitoneal injection [i.p.], 2.5 mg/kg) or vehicle. The demyelination lesion was assessed 3 and 7 days postdemyelination insult using Luxol fast blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of myelin proteins (MBP, MAG, MOG, CNPase) were explored using Western blot. The inflammatory response and clearance of damaged myelin were evaluated using immunofluorescent staining (Iba1, dMBP, GFAP) and multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐6). Results Systemic administration of ganaxolone promoted remyelination of lysolecithin‐induced demyelination, upregulated the expression of major myelin proteins, and enhanced microglial clearance of damaged myelin. Astrocytosis, as well as locally produced pro‐ and antiinflammatory cytokines, was not affected by ganaxolone treatment. Conclusion Ganaxolone promotes remyelination in response to focal demyelination of the corpus callosum of ovariectomized rats. This effect is, at least in part, mediated by enhancing microglial clearance of myelin debris, which creates a conducive environment for a successful remyelination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Samah Kalakh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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Selective in vivo removal of pathogenic anti-MAG autoantibodies, an antigen-specific treatment option for anti-MAG neuropathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E3689-E3698. [PMID: 28416698 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1619386114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein) neuropathy is a disabling autoimmune peripheral neuropathy caused by monoclonal IgM autoantibodies that recognize the carbohydrate epitope HNK-1 (human natural killer-1). This glycoepitope is highly expressed on adhesion molecules, such as MAG, present in myelinated nerve fibers. Because the pathogenicity and demyelinating properties of anti-MAG autoantibodies are well established, current treatments are aimed at reducing autoantibody levels. However, current therapies are primarily immunosuppressive and lack selectivity and efficacy. We therefore hypothesized that a significant improvement in the disease condition could be achieved by selectively neutralizing the pathogenic anti-MAG antibodies with carbohydrate-based ligands mimicking the natural HNK-1 glycoepitope 1. In an inhibition assay, a mimetic (2, mimHNK-1) of the natural HNK-1 epitope blocked the interaction of MAG with pathogenic IgM antibodies from patient sera but with only micromolar affinity. Therefore, considering the multivalent nature of the MAG-IgM interaction, polylysine polymers of different sizes were substituted with mimetic 2. With the most promising polylysine glycopolymer PL84(mimHNK-1)45 the inhibitory effect on patient sera could be improved by a factor of up to 230,000 per epitope, consequently leading to a low-nanomolar inhibitory potency. Because clinical studies indicate a correlation between the reduction of anti-MAG IgM levels and clinical improvement, an immunological surrogate mouse model for anti-MAG neuropathy producing high levels of anti-MAG IgM was developed. The observed efficient removal of these antibodies with the glycopolymer PL84(mimHNK-1)45 represents an important step toward an antigen-specific therapy for anti-MAG neuropathy.
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Boghdadi AG, Teo L, Bourne JA. The Involvement of the Myelin-Associated Inhibitors and Their Receptors in CNS Plasticity and Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:1831-1846. [PMID: 28229330 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0433-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The limited capacity for the central nervous system (CNS) to repair itself was first described over 100 years ago by Spanish neuroscientist Ramon Y. Cajal. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this failure in neuronal regeneration remain unclear and, as such, no effective therapeutics yet exist. Numerous studies have attempted to elucidate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that inhibit neuronal repair with increasing evidence suggesting that several inhibitory factors and repulsive guidance cues active during development actually persist into adulthood and may be contributing to the inhibition of repair. For example, in the injured adult CNS, there are various inhibitory factors that impede the outgrowth of neurites from damaged neurons. One of the most potent of these neurite outgrowth inhibitors is the group of proteins known as the myelin-associated inhibitors (MAIs), present mainly on the membranes of oligodendroglia. Several studies have shown that interfering with these proteins can have positive outcomes in CNS injury models by promoting neurite outgrowth and improving functional recovery. As such, the MAIs, their receptors, and downstream effectors are valid drug targets for the treatment of CNS injury. This review will discuss the current literature on MAIs in the context of CNS development, plasticity, and injury. Molecules that interfere with the MAIs and their receptors as potential candidates for the treatment of CNS injury will additionally be introduced in the context of preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony G Boghdadi
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk (Building 75), Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Leon Teo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk (Building 75), Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - James A Bourne
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk (Building 75), Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Kinter J, Lazzati T, Schmid D, Zeis T, Erne B, Lützelschwab R, Steck AJ, Pareyson D, Peles E, Schaeren-Wiemers N. An essential role of MAG in mediating axon-myelin attachment in Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1A disease. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 49:221-31. [PMID: 22940629 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) is a hereditary demyelinating peripheral neuropathy caused by the duplication of the PMP22 gene. Demyelination precedes the occurrence of clinical symptoms that correlate with axonal degeneration. It was postulated that a disturbed axon-glia interface contributes to altered myelination consequently leading to axonal degeneration. In this study, we examined the expression of MAG and Necl4, two critical adhesion molecules that are present at the axon-glia interface, in sural nerve biopsies of CMT1A patients and in peripheral nerves of mice overexpressing human PMP22, an animal model for CMT1A. We show an increase in the expression of MAG and a strong decrease of Necl4 in biopsies of CMT1A patients as well as in CMT1A mice. Expression analysis revealed that MAG is strongly upregulated during peripheral nerve maturation, whereas Necl4 expression remains very low. Ablating MAG in CMT1A mice results in separation of axons from their myelin sheath. Our data show that MAG is important for axon-glia contact in a model for CMT1A, and suggest that its increased expression in CMT1A disease has a compensatory role in the pathology of the disease. Thus, we demonstrate that MAG together with other adhesion molecules such as Necl4 is important in sustaining axonal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Kinter
- Neurobiology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Lazzati
- Neurobiology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Daniela Schmid
- Neurobiology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Zeis
- Neurobiology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Beat Erne
- Neurobiology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Roland Lützelschwab
- Neurobiology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas J Steck
- Neurobiology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Davide Pareyson
- IRCCS Foundation, C. Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elior Peles
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, POB 26, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - Nicole Schaeren-Wiemers
- Neurobiology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
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8
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Piccinini M, Scandroglio F, Prioni S, Buccinnà B, Loberto N, Aureli M, Chigorno V, Lupino E, DeMarco G, Lomartire A, Rinaudo MT, Sonnino S, Prinetti A. Deregulated sphingolipid metabolism and membrane organization in neurodegenerative disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2010; 41:314-40. [PMID: 20127207 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-009-8096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are polar membrane lipids present as minor components in eukaryotic cell membranes. Sphingolipids are highly enriched in nervous cells, where they exert important biological functions. They deeply affect the structural and geometrical properties and the lateral order of cellular membranes, modulate the function of several membrane-associated proteins, and give rise to important intra- and extracellular lipid mediators. Sphingolipid metabolism is regulated along the differentiation and development of the nervous system, and the expression of a peculiar spatially and temporarily regulated sphingolipid pattern is essential for the maintenance of the functional integrity of the nervous system: sphingolipids in the nervous system participate to several signaling pathways controlling neuronal survival, migration, and differentiation, responsiveness to trophic factors, synaptic stability and synaptic transmission, and neuron-glia interactions, including the formation and stability of central and peripheral myelin. In several neurodegenerative diseases, sphingolipid metabolism is deeply deregulated, leading to the expression of abnormal sphingolipid patterns and altered membrane organization that participate to several events related to the pathogenesis of these diseases. The most impressive consequence of this deregulation is represented by anomalous sphingolipid-protein interactions that are at least, in part, responsible for the misfolding events that cause the fibrillogenic and amyloidogenic processing of disease-specific protein isoforms, such as amyloid beta peptide in Alzheimer's disease, huntingtin in Huntington's disease, alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease, and prions in transmissible encephalopathies. Targeting sphingolipid metabolism represents today an underexploited but realistic opportunity to design novel therapeutic strategies for the intervention in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piccinini
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine and Experimental Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Piccinini M, Buccinnà B, De Marco G, Lupino E, Ramondetti C, Grifoni S, Votta B, Giordana MT, Rinaudo MT. N-CAM dysfunction and unexpected accumulation of PSA-NCAM in brain of adult-onset autosomal-dominant leukodystrophy. Brain Pathol 2009; 20:431-40. [PMID: 19725832 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2009.00313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, myelin from cerebral white matter (CWM) of two subjects of a family with orthochromatic adult-onset autosomal-dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD) was disclosed to exhibit defective large isoform of myelin-associated glycoprotein (L-MAG) and patchy distribution only in the elder subject. L-MAG and neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) (N-CAM 180, 140, and 120) are structurally related and concur to myelin/axon interaction. In early developmental stages, in neurons and glia N-CAM is converted into polysialylated (PSA)-NCAM by two sialyltransferases sialyltransferase-X (STX) and polysialyltransferase-1 (PST). Notably, PSA-NCAM disrupts N-CAM adhesive properties and is nearly absent in the adult brain. Here, CWM extracts and myelin of the two subjects were searched for the expression pattern of the N-CAM isoforms and PSA-NCAM, and their CWM was evaluated for N-CAM, STX and PST gene copy number and gene expression as mRNA. Biochemically, we disclosed that in CWM extracts and myelin from both subjects, PSA-NCAM accumulates, N-CAM 180 considerably increases, N-CAM 140 is modestly modified and N-CAM 120 remarkably decreases; duplication of genes encoding N-CAM, STX and PST was not revealed, whereas PST mRNA was clearly increased. Immunohistochemically, in CWM of both subjects, we found an unusually diffuse accumulation of PSA-NCAM without inflammation markers. PSA-NCAM persistence, up-regulated PST mRNA and previously uncovered defective L-MAG may be early pathogenetic events in this ADLD form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piccinini
- Department of Medicine and Experimental Oncology, Section of Biochemistry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Lauriat TL, Shiue L, Haroutunian V, Verbitsky M, Ares M, Ospina L, McInnes LA. Developmental expression profile ofquaking, a candidate gene for schizophrenia, and its target genes in human prefrontal cortex and hippocampus shows regional specificity. J Neurosci Res 2008; 86:785-96. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Chen Y, Aulia S, Tang BL. Myelin-associated glycoprotein-mediated signaling in central nervous system pathophysiology. Mol Neurobiol 2007; 34:81-91. [PMID: 17220531 DOI: 10.1385/mn:34:2:81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2005] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 06/14/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is a type I membrane-spanning protein expressed exclusively in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. It has two generally known pathophysiological roles in the central nervous system (CNS): maintenance of myelin integrity and inhibition of CNS axonal regeneration. The subtle CNS phenotype resulting from genetic ablation of MAG expression has made mechanistic analysis of its functional role in these difficult. However, the past few years have brought some major revelations, particularly in terms of mechanisms of MAG signaling through the Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) complex. Although apparently converging through NgR, a readily noticeable fact is that the neuronal growth inhibitory effect of MAG differs from that of Nogo-66. This may result from the influence of coreceptors in the form of gangliosides or from MAG-specific neuronal receptors such as NgR2. MAG has several other neuronal binding partners, and some of these may modulate its interaction with the NgR complex or downstream signaling. This article discusses new findings in MAG-forward and -reverse signaling and its role in CNS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Abstract
The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein localized in periaxonal Schwann cell and oligodendroglial membranes of myelin sheaths where it functions in glia-axon interactions. It contains five immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains and is in the sialic acid-binding subgroup of the Ig superfamily. It appears to function both as a ligand for an axonal receptor that is needed for the maintenance of myelinated axons and as a receptor for an axonal signal that promotes the differentiation, maintenance and survival of oligodendrocytes. Its function in the maintenance of myelinated axons may be related to its role as one of the white matter inhibitors of neurite outgrowth acting through a receptor complex involving the Nogo receptor and/or gangliosides containing 2,3-linked sialic acid. MAG is expressed as two developmentally regulated isoforms with different cytoplasmic domains that may activate different signal transduction pathways in myelin-forming cells. MAG contains a carbohydrate epitope shared with other glycoconjugates that is a target antigen in autoimmune peripheral neuropathy associated with IgM gammopathy and has been implicated in a dying back oligodendrogliopathy in multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Quarles
- Myelin and Brain Development Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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13
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Erb M, Flueck B, Kern F, Erne B, Steck AJ, Schaeren-Wiemers N. Unraveling the differential expression of the two isoforms of myelin-associated glycoprotein in a mouse expressing GFP-tagged S-MAG specifically regulated and targeted into the different myelin compartments. Mol Cell Neurosci 2006; 31:613-27. [PMID: 16442810 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2005.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2005] [Revised: 11/22/2005] [Accepted: 12/01/2005] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The two myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) isoforms are cell adhesion molecules that differ only in their cytoplasmic domains, but their specific roles are not well understood. In this study, we present a transgenic mouse line that specifically expresses GFP-tagged S-MAG correctly regulated and targeted into the myelin sheath allowing the specific discrimination of L- and S-MAG on the subcellular level. Here, we describe the differential expression pattern and spatial distribution of L- and S-MAG during development as well as in the adult central and peripheral nervous system. In peripheral nerves, where S-MAG is the sole isoform, we observed S-MAG concentrated in different ring-like structures such as periaxonal and abaxonal rings, and discs spanning through the compact myelin sheath perpendicular to the axon. In summary, our data provide new insight in the subcellular distribution of the two isoforms fundamental for the understanding of their specific functions in myelin formation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Erb
- Neurobiology, Department of Research, University Hospital Basel, Pharmacenter 7007, Klingelbergstrasse 50/70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Gupta R, Truong L, Bear D, Chafik D, Modafferi E, Hung CT. Shear stress alters the expression of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in Schwann cells. J Orthop Res 2005; 23:1232-9. [PMID: 16140204 DOI: 10.1016/j.orthres.2004.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2004] [Accepted: 12/22/2004] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Schwann cells within a peripheral nerve respond robustly after an axonal injury. Recent results have revealed that Schwann cells undergo concurrent proliferation and apoptosis after a chronic nerve injury that is independent of axonal pathology. Although the exact nature of the stimulus that produces this Schwann cell response remains unknown, we postulated that this response may be triggered directly by mechanical stimuli. Thus, we sought to determine how pure Schwann cells responded to a sustained shear stress in the form of laminar fluid flow by evaluating for proliferation, expression of S-100, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and myelin basic protein (MBP). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the Schwann cells were positive for S-100, MAG, and MBP in greater than 99% of the experimental cells. Stimulated cells also revealed an increased rate of proliferation by as much as 100% (p<.001). The mRNA expression of MAG and MBP was down-regulated by 21% (p<.035) and 18% (p<.015), respectively, in experimental cells from RT-PCR assays. Furthermore, Western blot showed a down-regulation in MAG and MBP protein expression by 29% (p<.035) and 35% (p<.02), respectively. This study provides novel information regarding Schwann cell direct response to this physical stimulus that is not secondary to an axonal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjan Gupta
- Peripheral Nerve Research Lab, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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15
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Giordana MT, Piccinini M, Palmucci L, Buccinnà B, Ramondetti C, Brusco A, Mongini T, Vaula G, Rinaudo MT. Myelin-associated glycoprotein is altered in a familial late-onset orthochromatic leukodystrophy. Brain Pathol 2005; 15:116-23. [PMID: 15912883 PMCID: PMC8095975 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2005.tb00506.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult-onset dominant leukodystrophies are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders, whose etiology, pathogenesis and molecular background are still unknown. We report the neuropathological and biochemical investigations of the brains and their myelin proteins components in 2 members of an Italian family affected by an adult-onset autosomal dominant leukoencephalopathy. Clinical signs included spastic paraparesis, pseudobulbar syndrome, action tremor of head and hands, and moderate memory impairment. No mental deterioration or neuropathy was present. Onset was subacute (range 42-53 years) and progression spanned 4 to 7 years. The neuropathological phenotype overlapped that of orthochromatic leukodystrophies. The biochemical analysis revealed an abnormal myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG); the defect was localized at the C-terminal domain of the L-MAG isoform, resulting in a protein approximately 5 kDa shorter than the normal counterpart. No mutation in the MAG gene-coding regions was uncovered, and linkage analysis formally excluded the entire MAG locus. We show that the identified MAG protein alteration is probably due to an abnormal post-translational event. Considering MAG function in the maintenance of myelin, the abnormal protein may have a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. This is the first report of a possible pathogenetic role of MAG in a hereditary disease affecting the central white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Giordana
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Lombardi R, Erne B, Lauria G, Pareyson D, Borgna M, Morbin M, Arnold A, Czaplinski A, Fuhr P, Schaeren-Wiemers N, Steck AJ. IgM deposits on skin nerves in anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein neuropathy. Ann Neurol 2005; 57:180-7. [PMID: 15668968 DOI: 10.1002/ana.20364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) neuropathy is a chronic demyelinating neuropathy with predominant involvement of large sensory fibers and deposits of IgM and complement on sural nerve myelinated fibers. We assessed the presence of IgM deposits on skin myelinated nerve fibers and the involvement of unmyelinated axons in anti-MAG neuropathy. Skin biopsies were performed in 14 patients with anti-MAG neuropathy, in 8 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), and in 2 patients with IgM paraproteinemic neuropathy. Biopsies were taken at the proximal thigh in 20 patients, at the distal leg in 21 patients, at the proximal arm in 13 patients, and at the hand or fingertip in 10 patients. We found IgM deposits on dermal myelinated fibers in all anti-MAG neuropathy patients, with a greater prevalence at the distal site of the extremities. Deposits were located throughout the length of the fibers and at the paranodal loops. CIDP and IgM paraproteinemic neuropathies did not show any deposit of IgM. Anti-MAG neuropathy and CIPD patients showed a decrease in epidermal nerve fiber density reflecting an associated axonal loss. In anti-MAG neuropathy, both large- and small-diameter nerve fibers are affected, and specific deposits of IgM are found on skin myelinated nerve fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Lombardi
- Neurobiology Unit, Department of Research and Neurology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Schweigreiter R, Walmsley AR, Niederöst B, Zimmermann DR, Oertle T, Casademunt E, Frentzel S, Dechant G, Mir A, Bandtlow CE. Versican V2 and the central inhibitory domain of Nogo-A inhibit neurite growth via p75NTR/NgR-independent pathways that converge at RhoA. Mol Cell Neurosci 2004; 27:163-74. [PMID: 15485772 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2004.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2004] [Accepted: 06/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin is a major obstacle for regenerating nerve fibers of the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Several proteins including Nogo-A, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp) and the chondroitin-sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) Versican V2 have been identified as inhibitory components present in CNS myelin. MAG, OMgp as well as the Nogo specific domain Nogo-66 exert their inhibitory activity by binding to a neuronal receptor complex containing the Nogo-66 receptor NgR and the neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR). While this suggests a converging role of the p75(NTR)/NgR receptor complex for myelin-derived neurite growth inhibitors, we show here that NgR/p75(NTR) is not required for mediating the inhibitory activity of the two myelin components NiG, unlike Nogo-66 a distinct domain of Nogo-A, and Versican V2. Primary neurons derived from a complete null mutant of p75(NTR) are still sensitive to NiG and Versican V2. In line with this result, neurite growth of p75(NTR) deficient neurons is still significantly blocked on total bovine CNS myelin. Furthermore, modulation of RhoA and Rac1 in p75(NTR)-/- neurons persists with NiG and Versican V2. Finally, we demonstrate that neither NiG nor Versican V2 interact with the p75(NTR)/NgR receptor complex and provide evidence that the binding sites of NiG and Nogo-66 are physically distinct from each other on neural tissue. These results indicate not only the existence of neuronal receptors for myelin inhibitors independent from the p75(NTR)/NgR receptor complex but also establish Rho GTPases as a common point of signal convergence of diverse myelin-induced regeneration inhibitory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger Schweigreiter
- Institute of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Fluri F, Ferracin F, Erne B, Steck AJ. Microheterogeneity of anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein antibodies. J Neurol Sci 2003; 207:43-9. [PMID: 12614930 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-510x(02)00359-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies to the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) are implicated in the pathogenesis of an acquired demyelinating polyneuropathy. We studied IgM affinity to MAG in 18 patients with anti-MAG antibodies. Binding of sera was tested for anti-MAG immunoreactivity in central nervous system (CNS) by ELISA and in CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS) by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, immunohistochemical characterization of IgM binding on sural nerve tissue was investigated using the indirect peroxidase method. Western blot analysis revealed that all sera detected MAG in central myelin, but only eight in peripheral myelin. Anti-MAG-IgM-ELISA-titers correlated significantly (p<0.0001) with PNS-Western blot results. By indirect immunoperoxidase immunohistochemistry, 12 sera stained myelin sheaths, while 6 sera showed no staining. These results demonstrate considerable variations in antibody binding strength to MAG between PNS myelin and CNS myelin. The relevance of these differences for the pathogenesis of the neuropathy and clinical impairment remains to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Fluri
- Department of Clinical Neurology, University Hospitals Basel, Petersgraben 4, Switzerland.
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Erb M, Steck AJ, Nave KA, Schaeren-Wiemers N. Differential expression of L- and S-MAG upon cAMP stimulated differentiation in oligodendroglial cells. J Neurosci Res 2003; 71:326-37. [PMID: 12526022 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.10497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), an immunoglobulin-like cell signaling protein involved in axon-glial interactions, displays two intracellular C-termini as a result of alternative mRNA splicing. During brain development, the two MAG mRNAs that encode L-MAG and S-MAG differ in their relative abundance. We have investigated the differential expression of L- and S-MAG upon cAMP treatment in the oligodendroglial cell line Oli-neu, a cell line able to differentiate in vitro. We have engineered GFP and VSVG fusions by small insertions into the alternatively spliced exons of the cloned MAG gene and reintroduced them into Oli-neu cells. The individually tagged MAG isoforms were expressed under the control of the MAG promoter and regulatory region. In this system, L-MAG was the predominant isoform before the stimulation of cells with cAMP, whereas upon cAMP treatment the S-MAG isoform was predominantly expressed in cells with a high degree of morphological differentiation. We suggest that the regulation of the MAG alternative splicing and the morphological differentiation in oligodendrocytes are controlled both by the same cAMP-responsive differentiation step.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Erb
- Neurobiology, Department of Research, University Hospital Basel, Pharmacenter, Basel, Switzerland
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20
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Erne B, Sansano S, Frank M, Schaeren-Wiemers N. Rafts in adult peripheral nerve myelin contain major structural myelin proteins and myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) and CD59 as specific markers. J Neurochem 2002; 82:550-62. [PMID: 12153479 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2002.00987.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL) proteolipid is localized in central and peripheral compact myelin membranes, as well as in apical membranes of particular polarized cells. In this study, we addressed the question whether MAL and other peripheral myelin proteins are sorted and targeted to myelin membranes using mechanisms similar to those observed in polarized epithelial cells. To investigate the presence of raft-mediated sorting pathways in Schwann cells, we have isolated and analysed their composition in myelin membranes. Here, we show that rafts are present in adult human and rat peripheral compact myelin membranes and contain MAL, the GPI-anchored protein CD59, and substantial amounts of the PMP22 and P0. Colocalization studies show that CD59, and MAL have an almost identical expression pattern within compact myelin. Moreover, immuno-electron microscopy revealed that MAL, besides its localization in compact myelin, is also localized to Schmidt-Lanterman incisures. Taken together, our results demonstrate the presence of detergent-insoluble glycolipid-enriched complexes (DIGs) in different compartments of myelin membranes and indicate an important role for DIG-mediated transport mechanisms in the maintenance of the adult myelin sheath.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Erne
- Department of Research, University Hospital Basel, Pharmacenter, Switzerland
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21
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D'Alfonso S, Mellai M, Giordano M, Pastore A, Malferrari G, Naldi P, Repice A, Liguori M, Cannoni S, Milanese C, Caputo D, Savettieri G, Momigliano-Richiardi P. Identification of single nucleotide variations in the coding and regulatory regions of the myelin-associated glycoprotein gene and study of their association with multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2002; 126:196-204. [PMID: 12020971 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-5728(02)00061-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) gene is an appealing candidate in the 19q13 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) candidate region. Using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), we identified 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MAG coding and regulatory regions, and we tested their possible association with MS in Italian patient and control DNA pools. Eight variations had a frequency <0.05, i.e. below the detection limit in the pools. Of these, Arg537Cys was further studied with individually genotyped individuals and was detected in 1/189 patients and 0/85 controls. The frequency of the six remaining SNPs were not significantly different in pools including a total of 1266 patient and 1612 control chromosomes. Considering the statistical power of the experimental design, these results exclude the MAG gene as an MS susceptibility factor with an odds ratio (OR) equal or higher than 1.3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra D'Alfonso
- Laboratorio di Genetica Umana, Dipartimento Scienze Mediche, Univ. Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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22
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Brudno M, Gelfand MS, Spengler S, Zorn M, Dubchak I, Conboy JG. Computational analysis of candidate intron regulatory elements for tissue-specific alternative pre-mRNA splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2001; 29:2338-48. [PMID: 11376152 PMCID: PMC55704 DOI: 10.1093/nar/29.11.2338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2001] [Revised: 04/13/2001] [Accepted: 04/13/2001] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a major cellular process by which functionally diverse proteins can be generated from the primary transcript of a single gene, often in tissue-specific patterns. The current study investigates the hypothesis that splicing of tissue-specific alternative exons is regulated in part by control sequences in adjacent introns and that such elements may be recognized via computational analysis of exons sharing a highly specific expression pattern. We have identified 25 brain-specific alternative cassette exons, compiled a dataset of genomic sequences encompassing these exons and their adjacent introns and used word contrast algorithms to analyze key features of these nucleotide sequences. By comparison to a control group of constitutive exons, brain-specific exons were often found to possess the following: divergent 5' splice sites; highly pyrimidine-rich upstream introns; a paucity of GGG motifs in the downstream intron; a highly statistically significant over-representation of the hexanucleotide UGCAUG in the proximal downstream intron. UGCAUG was also found at a high frequency downstream of a smaller group of muscle-specific exons. Intriguingly, UGCAUG has been identified previously in a few intron splicing enhancers. Our results indicate that this element plays a much wider role than previously appreciated in the regulated tissue-specific splicing of many alternative exons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brudno
- National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center and Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Baumann N, Pham-Dinh D. Biology of oligodendrocyte and myelin in the mammalian central nervous system. Physiol Rev 2001; 81:871-927. [PMID: 11274346 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.2001.81.2.871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1203] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system (CNS), and astrocytes constitute macroglia. This review deals with the recent progress related to the origin and differentiation of the oligodendrocytes, their relationships to other neural cells, and functional neuroglial interactions under physiological conditions and in demyelinating diseases. One of the problems in studies of the CNS is to find components, i.e., markers, for the identification of the different cells, in intact tissues or cultures. In recent years, specific biochemical, immunological, and molecular markers have been identified. Many components specific to differentiating oligodendrocytes and to myelin are now available to aid their study. Transgenic mice and spontaneous mutants have led to a better understanding of the targets of specific dys- or demyelinating diseases. The best examples are the studies concerning the effects of the mutations affecting the most abundant protein in the central nervous myelin, the proteolipid protein, which lead to dysmyelinating diseases in animals and human (jimpy mutation and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease or spastic paraplegia, respectively). Oligodendrocytes, as astrocytes, are able to respond to changes in the cellular and extracellular environment, possibly in relation to a glial network. There is also a remarkable plasticity of the oligodendrocyte lineage, even in the adult with a certain potentiality for myelin repair after experimental demyelination or human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Baumann
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U. 495, Biology of Neuron-Glia Interactions, Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.
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Heape AM, Lehto VP, Kursula P. The expression of recombinant large myelin-associated glycoprotein cytoplasmic domain and the purification of native myelin-associated glycoprotein from rat brain and peripheral nerve. Protein Expr Purif 1999; 15:349-61. [PMID: 10092495 DOI: 10.1006/prep.1999.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) is a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily existing as two isoforms (L-MAG and S-MAG) that are differentially expressed by myelinating glial cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems, where MAG represents 1 and 0.1% of the total myelin proteins, respectively. The polypeptide chains of the two isoforms differ only by the carboxy terminus of their respective cytoplasmic domains, which most probably determine the isoform-specific functions. Here, we describe the expression of the L-MAG cytoplasmic domain as a GST fusion protein. The recombinant protein was used to raise polyclonal antibodies against the L-MAG-specific carboxy terminus and against the region of the MAG cytoplasmic domain common to both S-MAG and L-MAG. These antibodies, which function in dot blotting, Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation, were used to immunopurify native MAG from both rat brain and peripheral nerves in quantities and purity sufficient for the realization of most biochemical and functional studies. The antibodies and the recombinant and native MAG proteins provide much needed tools for the study of the common and isoform-specific properties and functions of L-MAG and S-MAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Heape
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University and Central Hospital, Kajaanintie 52D, Oulu, FIN-90220, Finland.
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