A novel role for myelin-associated glycoprotein as an inhibitor of axonal regeneration

Neuron. 1994 Sep;13(3):757-67. doi: 10.1016/0896-6273(94)90042-6.

Abstract

Following nerve injury, axons in the CNS do not normally regenerate. It has been shown that CNS myelin inhibits neurite outgrowth, though the nature of the molecules responsible for this effect are not known. Here, we demonstrate that the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a transmembrane protein of both CNS and PNS myelin, strongly inhibits neurite outgrowth from both developing cerebellar and adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in vitro. This inhibition is reversed by an anti-MAG antibody. In contrast, MAG promotes neurite outgrowth from newborn DRG neurons. These results suggest that MAG may be responsible, in part, for the lack of CNS nerve regeneration in vivo and may influence, both temporally and spatially, regeneration in the PNS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Axons / physiology*
  • CHO Cells
  • Cellular Senescence
  • Cerebellum / cytology
  • Cerebellum / metabolism
  • Cricetinae
  • Ganglia, Spinal / cytology
  • Ganglia, Spinal / physiology
  • Myelin Proteins / physiology*
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein
  • Nerve Regeneration / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Rats

Substances

  • Myelin Proteins
  • Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein