Human diseases reveal novel roles for neural laminins.
Extracellular matrix molecules such as laminins have a central role in regulating cell behaviour. However, our understanding of their functions in the mammalian nervous system is incomplete. It is important to establish these functions, both for an understanding of normal development and to devise strategies to enhance repair. Here, we review how insights gained from human diseases caused by genetic mutations in laminins or their receptors have revealed significant and sometimes unexpected roles for laminins in neural stem cells, migrating neurons and myelinating glia, in both the PNS and CNS.
Colognato
Holly
H
Department of Pharmacology, SUNY-Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
ffrench-Constant
Charles
C
Feltri
Maria Laura
ML
D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007797:Laminin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D017474:Receptors, Laminin / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism
D007797:Laminin; D017474:Receptors, Laminin