Abstract
Mycobacterium leprae has the capacity to invade the peripheral nervous system and cause neuropathy. The molecular mechanisms responsible have remained unknown until recently. Identification of the endoneurial laminin-2 isoform and its receptor alpha-dystroglycan as neural targets of M. leprae has not only opened up a new area of scientific inquiry into the pathogenesis of neurological damage in leprosy, but has also revealed unexpected biological properties of these important host molecules.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
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Dystroglycans
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Humans
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Laminin / chemistry*
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Leprosy / microbiology
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Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
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Mycobacterium leprae / pathogenicity*
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Myelin Sheath / metabolism
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Peripheral Nerves / chemistry*
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Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / microbiology*
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Protein Isoforms / chemistry
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Schwann Cells / microbiology*
Substances
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Cytoskeletal Proteins
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DAG1 protein, human
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Laminin
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Protein Isoforms
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Dystroglycans