Nectin-like molecules/SynCAMs are required for post-crossing commissural axon guidance.
The Necl/SynCAM subgroup of immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules has been implicated in late stages of neural circuit formation. They were shown to be sufficient for synaptogenesis by their trans-synaptic interactions. Additionally, they are involved in myelination, both in the central and the peripheral nervous system, by mediating adhesion between glia cells and axons. Here, we show that Necls/SynCAMs are also required for early stages of neural circuit formation. We demonstrate a role for Necls/SynCAMs in post-crossing commissural axon guidance in the developing spinal cord in vivo. Necl3/SynCAM2, the family member that has not been characterized functionally so far, plays a crucial role in this process. It is expressed by floorplate cells and interacts with Necls/SynCAMs expressed by commissural axons to mediate a turning response in post-crossing commissural axons.
Niederkofler
Vera
V
Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Baeriswyl
Thomas
T
Ott
Regula
R
Stoeckli
Esther T
ET
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D002642:Chick Embryo; D000075983:Nectins; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated; D055495:Neurogenesis; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D000075983:Nectins