title: Sugar codes for axons?
abstract: Proteoglycans are complex macromolecules with the potential for extraordinary diversity. Several recent studies have demonstrated important roles for heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs and CSPGs) in axon pathfinding and have linked HSPGs to specific signaling pathways. More speculatively, there are hints of a "sugar code," in which specific sugar modifications might act instructively in guidance decisions. This raises the intriguing possibility that the complexity of neuronal wiring may in part reflect the complexity of proteoglycan modifications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, United Kingdom. ceh@mole.bio.cam.ac.uk
authors.forename: Christine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: Barry J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Dickson
mesh_terms: D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development*; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011509:Proteoglycans