Putting the glue in glia: Necls mediate Schwann cell axon adhesion.
Interactions between Schwann cells and axons are critical for the development and function of myelinated axons. Two recent studies (see Maurel et al. on p. 861 of this issue; Spiegel et al., 2007) report that the nectin-like (Necl) proteins Necl-1 and -4 are internodal adhesion molecules that are critical for myelination. These studies suggest that Necl proteins mediate a specific interaction between Schwann cells and axons that allows proper communication of the signals that trigger myelination.
Perlin
Julie R
JR
Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Talbot
William S
WS
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009186:Myelin Sheath / Q000378:metabolism; D011901:Ranvier's Nodes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal