Selective metabolic labeling of axonal proteins: an in vitro approach for the identification and characterization of axonal proteins and their role in health and disease.
In order to identify and characterize the molecular building blocks underlying axonal functions and axon-glia interactions, we have developed an approach to the identification of molecules that are subjected to axonal transport. A compartmental cell culture system that offers separate access to cell somas and axons was used. This system allows identification and selective investigation of proteins of axons even when they are located in a variable cellular environment. A number of axonal and axonally secreted proteins specific for neuronal subpopulations were identified. Furthermore, we have shown that co-cultured cells from the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system modulate the synthesis of a few axonal proteins of dorsal root ganglions neurons differentially. Axonal and axonally secreted proteins selected by this approach are now investigated in greater detail by cell biological, biochemical, and recombinant DNA technologies to obtain insight into the molecular details of the processes acting in the implementation and regulation of axonal functions. The presented approach is generally applicable to neuronal subpopulation that can be grown in culture, and represents an excellent tool for the investigation of various aspects of axonal functions and axon-glia or axon-neuron interactions on health and disease.
Sonderegger
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D000818:Animals; D001370:Axonal Transport; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology
D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins