Integrin-linked kinase is required for radial sorting of axons and Schwann cell remyelination in the peripheral nervous system

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Pereira, JA (Author) Other; Benninger, Y (Author) Other; Baumann, R (Author) Other; Goncalves, AF (Author) Other; Oezcelik, M (Author) Other; Thurnherr, T (Author) Other; Tricaud, N (Author) Other; Meijer, D (Author) Other; Faessler, R (Author) Other; Suter, U (Author) Other; Relvas, JB (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Cell Biology

Vol. 185

Pages: 147-161

ISSN: 0021-9525

Publisher: Rockefeller University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 74 Citations

Scopus - 86 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-KVS

DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200809008

Abstract (EN): During development, Schwann cells (SCs) interpret different extracellular cues to regulate their migration, proliferation, and the remarkable morphological changes associated with the sorting, ensheathment, and myelination of axons. Although interactions between extracellular matrix proteins and integrins are critical to some of these processes, the downstream signaling pathways they control are still poorly understood. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a focal adhesion protein that associates with multiple binding partners to link integrins to the actin cytoskeleton and is thought to participate in integrin and growth factor-mediated signaling. Using SC-specific gene ablation, we report essential functions for ILK in radial sorting of axon bundles and in remyelination in the peripheral nervous system. Our in vivo and in vitro experiments show that ILK negatively regulates Rho/Rho kinase signaling to promote SC process extension and to initiate radial sorting. ILK also facilitates axon remyelination, likely by promoting the activation of downstream molecules such as AKT/protein kinase B.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15