Tenascin-R induces actin-rich microprocesses and branches along neurite shafts

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Tenascin-R induces actin-rich microprocesses and branches along neurite shafts
Creators Name:	Zacharias, U. and Leuschner, R. and Noerenberg, U. and Rathjen, F.G.
Abstract:	The formation of protrusions along the shaft of neurites might be important in the establishment and refinement of neuronal connections during development. In a search for extracellular signals that affect the formation of microprocesses along neurites we found that the ECM glycoprotein tenascin-R (TN-R) but not other ECM glycoproteins increased the percentage of tectal neurons with actin-rich microprocesses and side branches. Longer actin-based microprocesses were also invaded by microtubuli in their proximal part. The formation of microprocesses by TN-R extending laterally along the neuritic shaft was time- and dose-dependent. In addition to the induction of microprocesses, TN-R increased the size of the growth cone of tectal neurons. A cross-species experiment in combination with blocking antibodies demonstrated that the TN-R-induced effects are mediated by the Ig superfamily member contactin. These observations suggest that TN-R via its neuronal receptor contactin might induce a transition from long-distance growth of tectal interneurons to differentiation, including the formation of microprocesses.
Keywords:	Actins, Cell Compartmentation, Cell Differentiation, Cell Size, Cell Surface Receptors, Cultured Cells, Chick Embryo, Growth Cones, Immunohistochemistry, Microtubules, Neurites, Neuronal Cell Adhesion Molecules, Superior Colliculus, Tenascin, Animals
Source:	Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
ISSN:	1044-7431
Publisher:	Academic Press
Volume:	21
Number:	4
Page Range:	626-633
Date:	December 2002
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1006/mcne.2002.1203
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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