A short segment within the cytoplasmic domain of the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) is essential for N-CAM-induced NF-kappa B activity in astrocytes.

ABSTRACT: The neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) is expressed on the surface of astrocytes, where its homophilic binding leads to the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. Transfection of astrocytes with a construct encompassing the transmembrane region and the cytoplasmic domain of N-CAM (designated Tm-Cyto, amino acids 685-839 in the full-length molecule) inhibited this activation up to 40%, and inhibited N-CAM-induced translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus. N-CAM also activated NF-kappaB in astrocytes from N-CAM knockout mice, presumably through binding to a heterophile. This activation, however, was not blocked by Tm-Cyto expression, indicating that the inhibitory effect of the Tm-Cyto construct is specific for cell surface N-CAM. Deletions and point mutations of the cytoplasmi

SUBMITTER: Little EB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC30122 | biostudies-literature | 2001 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature