ST8SIA2 promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation and the integrity of myelin and axons.

ABSTRACT: ST8SIA2 is a polysialyltransferase that attaches polysialic acid to the glycoproteins NCAM1 and CADM1. Polysialylation is involved in brain development and plasticity. ST8SIA2 is a schizophrenia candidate gene, and St8sia2^-/- mice exhibit schizophrenia-like behavior. We sought to identify new pathological consequences of ST8SIA2 deficiency. Our proteomic analysis suggested myelin impairment in St8sia2^-/- mice. Histological and immune staining together with Western blot revealed that the onset of myelination was not delayed in St8sia2^-/- mice, but the content of myelin was lower. Ultrastructure analysis of the corpus callosum showed thinner myelin sheaths, smaller and irregularly shaped axons, and white matter lesions in adult St8sia2^-/- mice. The

SUBMITTER: Szewczyk LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5129544 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature