Netrins and Neogenin Promote Myotube Formation

• Published in: The Journal of cell biology 2004-11, Vol.167 (3), p.493-504
• Main Authors: Kang, Jong-Sun, Yi, Min-Jeong, Zhang, Wei, Feinleib, Jessica L., Cole, Francesca, Krauss, Robert S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibodies; Autocrine Communication; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Cadherins; Cell Adhesion Molecules - metabolism; Cell Adhesion Molecules - physiology; Cell Differentiation; Cell growth; Cell Line; Cell lines; Cell nucleus; Cellular biology; Cultured cells; DNA-Binding Proteins; Macromolecular Substances; Membrane Glycoproteins - metabolism; Membrane Glycoproteins - physiology; Membrane Proteins - physiology; Muscle development; Muscle fibers; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal - cytology; Myoblasts; Myoblasts - metabolism; Nerve Growth Factors; Nerve Tissue Proteins - physiology; Netrins; NFATC Transcription Factors; Nuclear Proteins; Proteins; Receptors; Transcription Factors; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Suppressor Proteins - metabolism; Tumor Suppressor Proteins - physiology
• ISSN: 0021-9525; 1540-8140
• DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200405039

Differentiation of skeletal myoblasts into multinucleated myotubes is a multistep process orchestrated by several families of transcription factors, including myogenic bHLH and NFAT proteins. The activities of these factors and formation of myotubes are regulated by signal transduction pathways, but few extracellular factors that might initiate such signals have been identified. One exception is a cell surface complex containing promyogenic Ig superfamily members (CDO and BOC) and cadherins. Netrins and their receptors are established regulators of axon guidance, but little is known of their function outside the nervous system. We report here that myoblasts express the secreted factor netrin-3 and its receptor, neogenin. These proteins stimulate myotube formation and enhance myogenic bHLH- and NFAT-dependent transcription. Furthermore, neogenin binds to CDO in a cis fashion, and myoblasts lacking CDO are defective in responding to recombinant netrin. It is proposed that netrin-3 and neogenin may promote myogenic differentiation by an autocrine mechanism as components of a higher order complex of several promyogenic cell surface proteins.