N-Cadherin Inhibits Schwann Cell Migration on Astrocytes

Astrocytes exclude Schwann cells (SCs) from the central nervous system (CNS) at peripheral nerve entry zones and restrict their migration after transplantation into the CNS. We have modeled the interactions between SCs, astrocytes, and fibroblasts in vitro. Astrocytes and SCs in vitro form separate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular and cellular neuroscience 1999-07, Vol.14 (1), p.66-84
Main Authors: Wilby, Martin J., Muir, Elizabeth M., Fok-Seang, Juin, Gour, Barbara J., Blaschuk, Orest W., Fawcett, James W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amino Acid Sequence
Animals
Animals, Newborn
Astrocytes - cytology
Astrocytes - physiology
Cadherins - physiology
Calcium - physiology
Cell Adhesion - drug effects
Cell Adhesion - physiology
Cell Aggregation - drug effects
Cell Aggregation - physiology
Cell Line
Cell Movement - drug effects
Cell Movement - physiology
Cells, Cultured
Fibroblasts - drug effects
Fibroblasts - physiology
Microscopy, Video
Oligopeptides - pharmacology
Peptide Fragments - pharmacology
Schwann Cells - cytology
Schwann Cells - physiology
Sciatic Nerve - physiology
Skin - cytology
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Summary:Astrocytes exclude Schwann cells (SCs) from the central nervous system (CNS) at peripheral nerve entry zones and restrict their migration after transplantation into the CNS. We have modeled the interactions between SCs, astrocytes, and fibroblasts in vitro. Astrocytes and SCs in vitro form separate territories, with sharp boundaries between them. SCs migrate poorly when placed on astrocyte monolayers, but migrate well on various other surfaces such as laminin (LN) and skin fibroblasts. Interactions between individual SCs and astrocytes result in long-lasting adhesive contacts during which the SC is unable to migrate away from the astrocyte. In contrast, SC interactions with fibroblasts are much shorter with less arrest of migration. SCs adhere strongly to astrocytes and other SCs, but less well to substrates that promote migration, such as LN and fibroblasts. SC–astrocyte and SC–SC adhesion is mediated by the calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin. Inhibition of N-cadherin function by calcium withdrawal, peptides containing the classical cadherin cell adhesion recognition sequence His-Ala-Val, or antibodies directed against this sequence inhibit SC adhesion and increase SC migration on astrocytes. We suggest that N-cadherin-mediated adhesion to astrocytes inhibits the widespread migration of SCs in CNS tissue.
ISSN:1044-7431
1095-9327
DOI:10.1006/mcne.1999.0766