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PubMed · 15160389

Alpha-dystroglycan interactions affect cerebellar granule neuron migration.

Qiang Qu·Frances I Smith
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Abstract

The interaction of alpha-dystroglycan (a-DG) with its extracellular binding partners requires glycans attached to its mucin core domain, and defects in the glycosylation of a-DG are associated with both muscular dystrophy and neuronal migration defects. The involvement of a-DG and one of its ligands, agrin, in cerebellar neuronal migration was investigated. Antibodies directed against glycosylated a-DG inhibited granule neuron migration in cerebellar slice cultures. a-DG interactions did not appear to influence neurite outgrowth in cerebellar explant cultures, but enhanced granule neuron binding was observed on cells transfected with a-DG. These results suggest that interactions involving a-DG influence the strength of attachment of granule neurons to the a-DG-expressing Bergmann glial cells that guide granule neuron migration in the cerebellum. Experiments using anti-agrin antibodies suggest that agrin is not involved in these interactions.

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AgrinAnimalsCell MovementCells, CulturedCerebellumCytoskeletal ProteinsDystroglycansGlycosylationMembrane GlycoproteinsMiceNeuritesNeurogliaNeuronsOrgan Culture TechniquesJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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Qiang Qu, Frances I Smith. 2004-06-15. Alpha-dystroglycan interactions affect cerebellar granule neuron migration.. https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.20129

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