Sensory neurons from N-syndecan-deficient mice are defective in survival
Extracellular matrix is a crucial regulator of development, plasticity and regeneration in the nervous system. We have now found that N-syndecan, the receptor for the extracellular matrix component heparin-binding growth-associated molecule, is required for survival of primary sensory neurons. We de...
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Published in | Neuroreport Vol. 19; no. 14; p. 1397 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
England
17.09.2008
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get more information |
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Summary: | Extracellular matrix is a crucial regulator of development, plasticity and regeneration in the nervous system. We have now found that N-syndecan, the receptor for the extracellular matrix component heparin-binding growth-associated molecule, is required for survival of primary sensory neurons. We demonstrate massive cell death of cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from mice deficient in the N-syndecan gene as compared with wild-type controls. Importantly, this cell death could not be prevented by nerve growth factor - the neurotrophin, which activates multiple antiapoptotic cascades in DRG neurons. The survival deficiency was observed during first postnatal week. In contrast, DRG neurons from young adult N-syndecan knockout mice exhibited normal survival. This study identifies a completely new syndecan-dependent type of signaling that regulates cell death in neurons. |
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ISSN: | 1473-558X |
DOI: | 10.1097/WNR.0b013e32830d1486 |