MDGA1, an IgSF molecule containing a MAM domain, heterophilically associates with axon- and muscle-associated binding partners through distinct structural domains.
Molecules belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) are reported to be involved in intercellular communication in the developing nervous system. We have identified a novel GPI-anchored IgSF molecule containing a MAM (meprin, A5 protein, PTPmu) domain, named MDGA1, by screening for genes that are expressed by subpopulations of cells in the embryonic chick spinal cord. MDGA1 is selectively expressed by brachial LMCm motor neurons, some populations of DRG neurons, and interneurons. We found that MDGA1 interacts heterophilically with axon-rich regions, mainly through its MAM domain. Interestingly, MDGA1 also interacts with differentiating muscle through its N-terminal region, which contains Ig domains. These results suggest that MDGA1 functions in MDGA1-expressing nerves en route to and at their target site.
Fujimura
Yuiko
Y
Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Cancer and Aging, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
Iwashita
Misato
M
Matsuzaki
Fumio
F
Yamamoto
Tohru
T
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism*; D015153:Blotting, Western / Q000379:methods; D002642:Chick Embryo; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology; D015870:Gene Expression; D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D007211:Indoles; D060850:LIM-Homeodomain Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary / Q000502:physiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology; D008625:Tiopronin / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism
D017261:Glycosylphosphatidylinositols; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D007211:Indoles; D060850:LIM-Homeodomain Proteins; C499523:Lhx1 protein, mouse; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014404:Tubulin; C063843:insulin gene enhancer binding protein Isl-1; C007293:DAPI; D008625:Tiopronin