Year: 2009
Type: review
Abstract: Contactins are a subgroup of molecules belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily that are expressed exclusively in the nervous system. The subgroup consists of six members: contactin, TAG-1, BIG-1, BIG-2, NB-2 and NB-3. Since their identification in the late 1980s, contactin and TAG-1 have been studied extensively. Axonal expression and the neurite extension activity of contactin and TAG-1 attracted researchers to study the function of these molecules in axon guidance during development. After the exciting discovery of the molecular function of contactin and TAG-1 in myelination earlier this decade, these two molecules have come to be known as the principal molecules in the function and maintenance of myelinated neurons. In contrast, the function of the other four members of this subgroup remained unknown until recently. Here, we will give an overview of contactin function, including recent progress on BIG-2, NB-2 and NB-3.
Source: Cell Adhesion & Migration
DOI: 10.4161/cam.3.1.7764
Authors: Yasushi Shimoda, Kazutada Watanabe
Institution: Nagaoka University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,306
OpenAlex ID: W2051861976