Cremer H, Chazal G, Goridis C, Represa A
IBDM, CNRS/INSERM/Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille Cedex 9, France.
Mol Cell Neurosci. 1997;8(5):323-35. doi: 10.1006/mcne.1996.0588.
The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), probably the best characterized and most abundant cell adhesion molecule on neurons, is thought to be a major regulator of axonal growth and pathfinding. Here we present a detailed analysis of these processes in mice deficient for all NCAM isoforms, generated by gene targeting. The hippocampal mossy fiber tract shows prominent expression of polysialylated NCAM and the generation of new axonal projections throughout life. Focusing on this important intrahippocampal connection, we demonstrate that in the absence of NCAM, fasciculation and pathfinding of these axons are strongly affected. In addition we show alterations in the distribution of mossy fiber terminals. The phenotype is more severe in adult than in young animals, suggesting an essential role for NCAM in the maintenance of plasticity in the mature nervous system.
神经细胞黏附分子（NCAM）可能是神经元上特征最明确、含量最丰富的细胞黏附分子，被认为是轴突生长和路径寻找的主要调节因子。在此，我们对通过基因靶向产生的所有NCAM亚型缺失的小鼠中的这些过程进行了详细分析。海马苔藓纤维束显示多唾液酸化NCAM的显著表达以及终生新轴突投射的产生。聚焦于这一重要的海马内连接，我们证明在没有NCAM的情况下，这些轴突的成束和路径寻找受到强烈影响。此外，我们还展示了苔藓纤维终末分布的改变。该表型在成年动物中比在幼年动物中更严重，表明NCAM在成熟神经系统可塑性维持中起重要作用。
