59 research outputs found
ECM receptors in neuronal structure, synaptic plasticity, and behavior
During central nervous system development, extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors and their
ligands play key roles as guidance molecules, informing neurons where and when to send axonal
and dendritic projections, establish connections, and form synapses between pre- and
postsynaptic cells. Once stable synapses are formed, many ECM receptors transition in function
to control the maintenance of stable connections between neurons and regulate synaptic
plasticity. These receptors bind to and are activated by ECM ligands. In turn, ECM receptor
activation modulates downstream signaling cascades that control cytoskeletal dynamics and
synaptic activity to regulate neuronal structure and function and thereby impact animal behavior.
The activities of cell adhesion receptors that mediate interactions between pre- and postsynaptic
partners are also strongly influenced by ECM composition. This chapter highlights a
number of ECM receptors, their roles in the control of synapse structure and function, and the
impact of these receptors on synaptic plasticity and animal behavior
Integrins promote axonal regeneration after injury of the nervous system.
Integrins are cell surface receptors that form the link between extracellular matrix molecules of the cell environment and internal cell signalling and the cytoskeleton. They are involved in several processes, e.g. adhesion and migration during development and repair. This review focuses on the role of integrins in axonal regeneration. Integrins participate in spontaneous axonal regeneration in the peripheral nervous system through binding to various ligands that either inhibit or enhance their activation and signalling. Integrin biology is more complex in the central nervous system. Integrins receptors are transported into growing axons during development, but selective polarised transport of integrins limits the regenerative response in adult neurons. Manipulation of integrins and related molecules to control their activation state and localisation within axons is a promising route towards stimulating effective regeneration in the central nervous system
An upstream region of the mouse ZP3 gene directs expression of firefly luciferase specifically to growing oocytes in transgenic mice.
Specific binding of acrosome-reaction-inducing substance to the head of starfish spermatozoa
Targeted disruption of the mZP3 gene results in production of eggs lacking a zona pellucida and infertility in female mice.
- …