Nogo and its paRTNers.
Reticulons (RTNs) are a relatively new eukaryotic gene family with unknown functions but broad expression and peculiar topological features. RTNs are widely distributed in plants, yeast and animals and are characterized by a approximately 200-amino-acid C-terminal domain, including two long hydrophobic sequences. Nogo/RTN4 can inhibit neurite growth from the cell surface via specific receptors, whereas more general, 'ancestral', RTN functions might relate to those of the endoplasmic reticulum - for example, intracellular trafficking, cell division and apoptosis. Here, we review the taxonomic distribution and tissue expression of RTNs, summarize recent discoveries about RTN localization and membrane topology, and discuss the possible functions of RTNs.
Oertle
Thomas
T
Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich and Dept of Biology, ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Switzerland.
Schwab
Martin E
ME
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000737:chemistry; D009185:Myelin Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D016501:Neurites / Q000502:physiology; D000070798:Nogo Proteins; D010802:Phylogeny; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary / Q000502:physiology
D009185:Myelin Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D000070798:Nogo Proteins; C000603199:RTN4 protein, human