SynCAM1, a synaptic adhesion molecule, is expressed in astrocytes and contributes to erbB4 receptor-mediated control of female sexual development.

ABSTRACT: Female sexual maturation requires erythroblastosis B (erbB)4 signaling in hypothalamic astrocytes; however, the mechanisms by which erbB4 contributes to this process are incompletely understood. Here we show that SynCAM1, a synaptic adhesion molecule with signaling capabilities, is not only expressed highly in neurons, but also in hypothalamic astrocytes and is functionally associated with erbB4 receptor activity. Whereas SynCAM1 expression is diminished in astrocytes with impaired erbB4 signaling, ligand-dependent activation of astroglial erbB4 receptors results in rapid association of erbB4 with SynCAM1 and activation of SynCAM1 gene transcription. To determine whether astrocytic SynCAM1-dependent intracellular signaling is required for normal female reproductive function, we generated t

SUBMITTER: Sandau US 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3100629 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature