Neuronal merlin influences ERBB2 receptor expression on Schwann cells through neuregulin 1 type III signalling.

ABSTRACT: Axonal surface proteins encompass a group of heterogeneous molecules, which exert a variety of different functions in the highly interdependent relationship between axons and Schwann cells. We recently revealed that the tumour suppressor protein merlin, mutated in the hereditary tumour syndrome neurofibromatosis type 2, impacts significantly on axon structure maintenance in the peripheral nervous system. We now report on a role of neuronal merlin in the regulation of the axonal surface protein neuregulin 1 important for modulating Schwann cell differentiation and myelination. Specifically, neuregulin 1 type III expression is reduced in sciatic nerve tissue of neuron-specific knockout animals as well as in biopsies from seven patients with neurofibromatosis type 2. In vitro experiments perf

SUBMITTER: Schulz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3914471 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature