Glycans and the modulation of neural-recognition molecule function.
Neural-recognition molecules are carbohydrate-bearing glycoproteins, glycolipids or proteoglycans that are found at the cell surface or in the extracellular matrix that regulate cell interactions during development, modification of synaptic activity and regeneration of nerve connections after damage in the adult. The expression of the carbohydrates appears to be fine tuned to these functions. Among the identified carbohydrates are polysialic acid, a 3'-sulfated glucuronic acid, and oligomannosidic residues. They act not only between apposing partner cell surfaces (trans-interaction) but also between recognition molecules within the surface membrane of one cell (cis-interaction), thereby forming complexes that influence transduction of signals to the cell interior.
Schachner
M
M
Dept of Neurobiology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Hönggerberg, Zürich.
Martini
R
R
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000502:physiology; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000502:physiology; D018959:CD57 Antigens; D002450:Cell Communication; D005965:Glucuronates / Q000378:metabolism; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000502:physiology*; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000502:physiology; D012794:Sialic Acids / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D018959:CD57 Antigens; D005965:Glucuronates; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011134:Polysaccharides; D012794:Sialic Acids; C021319:polysialic acid; D020723:Glucuronic Acid