FC IG CHIMERES IN CELL INTERACTIONS: Evaluation of the role of Fc-chimeric adhesion molecules of the Ig superfamily in modulating neural cell interactions

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 98.0183

Key words (English)

cell adhesion; neural plasticity; repair; functional recovery; PSA-NCAM; BD

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: BIO4CT980329

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 4.1 Biotechnology

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

G. Rougon (Marseille, F); M. Schachner (Hambourg, D);
D. Kanagogeos (Heraklion, EL)

Abstract (English)

Dynamic changes in cell surface interactions are central to plasticity and repair in the nervous system and identification of molecules involved in these processes is a major challenge. This research project is aimed at investigating the mode of action and the role of adhesion molecules during plasticity and functional recovery in animal and in vitro models. A mechanism was elucidated whereby the adhesion molecule PSA-NCAM may contribute to these processes (Muller et al., in press; Vutskits et al., submitted). Our results indicate that one action of this molecule is to promote the signaling of the neurotrophic factor BDNF, thereby sensitizing neurons to this growth factor. We have demonstrated that this mechanism plays an important role in activity-induced synaptic plasticity, such as LTP and in the survival and differentiation of cortical neurons.

In order to establish a mouse model of lesion and functional recovery, a new, minimally invasive, epicranial approach for the multielectrode recording of sensory evoked potentials (SEPs) has been developed (Troncoso et al., in press). Avoiding the disadvantages of chronic implantations, this methodology allows for recording repeatedly and simultaneously over different cortical areas in the same animal. Using this technology along with a behavioral test, we have established a new lesion model in which a clear-cut deficit in somatosensory functions is followed by functional recovery and by a tendency to normalize SEPs. We believe that this methodology, used complementary to procedures with higher spatial resolution, will be suitable to study the long-term phenomena linked to cortical plasticity and functional recovery in different mouse models.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 98.0183