The interaction between L1-type proteins and ankyrins--a master switch for L1-type CAM function.
L1-type cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are important mediators of neural differentiation, including axonal outgrowth and pathfinding and also of synapse formation and maintenance. In addition, their interactions with cytoskeletal components are highly conserved and regulated. How these different aspects of CAM functionality relate to each other is not well understood. Based on results from our and other laboratories we propose that ankyrin-binding to L1-type CAMs provides a master switch. The interaction with ankyrins directs L1-type adhesive proteins into different functional contexts, either ankyrin-independent functions, such as neurite outgrowth and axonal pathfinding or into ankyrin-dependent functions, such as L1's role at axon initial segments (AIS), paranodal regions, synapses and in dendrites.
Hortsch
Michael
M
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. hortsch@umich.edu
Nagaraj
Kakanahalli
K
Godenschwege
Tanja A
TA
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D017487:Ankyrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism; D004330:Drosophila / Q000378:metabolism; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D039842:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding
D017487:Ankyrins; D039842:Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1