Semaphorin3D regulates axon-axon interactions by modulating levels of L1 cell adhesion molecule

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Marc A. Wolman - , University of Wisconsin-Madison (Author)
  • Ann M. Regnery - , University of Wisconsin-Madison (Author)
  • Thomas Becker - , University of Edinburgh (Author)
  • Catherina G. Becker - , University of Edinburgh (Author)
  • Mary C. Halloran - , University of Wisconsin-Madison (Author)

Abstract

The decision of a growing axon to selectively fasciculate with and defasciculate from other axons is critical for axon pathfinding and target innervation. Fasciculation can be regulated by cell adhesion molecules that modulate interaxonal adhesion and repulsive molecules, expressed by surrounding tissues that channel axons together. Here we describe crosstalk between molecules that mediate these mechanisms. We show that Semaphorin3D (Sema3D), a classic repulsive molecule, promotes fasciculation by regulating L1 CAM levels and axon-axon interactions rather than by creating a repulsive surround. Knockdown experiments show that Sema3D and L1 genetically interact to promote fasciculation. Sema3D overexpression increases and Sema3D knockdown decreases levels of axonal L1 protein. Moreover, excess L1 rescues defasciculation caused by the loss of Sema3D. In vivo time-lapse imaging reveals that Sema3D or L1 knockdown cause identical defects in growth cone behaviors during axon-axon interactions, consistent with a loss of adhesion. These results reveal a novel mechanism by which a semaphorin promotes fasciculation and modulates axon-axon interactions by regulating an adhesion molecule.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9653-9663
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume27
Issue number36
Publication statusPublished - 5 Sept 2007
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 17804626

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Adhesion, Axon guidance, Fasciculation, L1, Semaphorin, Zebrafish

Library keywords